“Sustainability and independence” thanks to nuclear energy:the government confronted with chemical Ugl

The meeting in the Nassirya Hall of the Senate.By 2026, around 50% of electricity produced globally will come from low-carbon sources:many countries look to nuclear power for their energy strategies

ROME - From the prospects for the economy and energy policy to the repercussions on the world of work and employment, from the management of waste and radioactive waste to the possible ways of starting a debate that involves and informs public opinion.All with an eye, of course, on sustainability and the ecological transition. It was an all-round discussion on nuclear power the one organized this afternoon byUgl Chemicals in the Fallen of Nassirya room of the Senate, entitled 'Nuclear in Italy in the energy transition:sustainability and independence', which saw the participation of representatives of the Government, national and European institutions, the world of universities and research and players in the sector.In addition, obviously, to general and trade representatives of the UGL, which today, through its general secretary Francesco Paolo Capone, is a candidate to be 'the union of yes to nuclear power'.

DATA AND FORECASTS

The International Energy Agency's (IEA) 'Electricity 2024' report offers a perspective on the dynamics of the global electricity market, predicting a notable shift towards low-CO2 energy sources by 2025. Electricity demand is expected to increase in the coming years, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4% until 2026.This increase will increasingly be met by renewables and nuclear, although coal will retain a significant presence in some developing regions.

By 2025, global nuclear generation is expected to surpass the previous record set in 2021.Although some countries are gradually abandoning or retiring nuclear plants, nuclear generation is expected to grow by about 3% per year on average until 2026.This increase will be driven by the completion of maintenance work in France, since the resumption of nuclear production in Japan and the start of commercial operations of new reactors in various markets, including China, India, Korea, the United Arab Emirates and others.

The report indicates that By 2026, around 50% of electricity produced globally will come from low-carbon sources, a notable increase from the 40% recorded in 2023. Renewables are on track to overtake coal and generate a third of total electricity generation by early 2025.

Many countries are recognizing nuclear energy as an essential part of their energy strategies to ensure energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.At the COP28 climate change conference, more than 20 states signed a declaration to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050.However, addressing construction and financing challenges in the nuclear sector remains an important goal.

In Italy the issue of nuclear power has returned to attention. The Government has launched initiatives such as the Mase National Platform for Sustainable Nuclear Energy and a parliamentary fact-finding investigation on the role of nuclear energy in the energy transition. The objective is to evaluate the inclusion of nuclear power in the national energy mix to address the energy crisis and reduce dependence on imports.Among the important issues to be addressed are the cost of nuclear plants, construction times, authorization processes, explaining the safety and management of radioactive waste.Public opinion, especially as regards the new generations, is called to participate in the informed debate on this important energy issue.

GAVA (MASE):'NUCLEAR CLEAN SOURCE THAT GIVES SECURITY TO THE COUNTRY'

For Vannia Gava, deputy minister of the Environment and Energy Security, latest generation nuclear power is 'an important technology that must be studied.The Government also wants to include nuclear power in the energy mix.We arrive at a critical phase where we found ourselves dependent almost exclusively on one source and one supplier.It is essential, therefore, to start a new phase and nuclear represents a clean source that is capable of giving security to the country in terms of energy and environmental supply.The Government, therefore, has invested funds and opened discussions with stakeholders, professionals and businesses to accompany this transition phase.We need to create culture and believe in our industry and in the potential of our country'.

“We must not stop or be afraid of a referendum that was held for a type of technology that has nothing to do with the current one,” he added.For Gava "there will obviously be times, but if we don't start today we risk having other states that in the meantime invest, move forward and we will always be in the running by purchasing, like today, electricity produced with nuclear power".

SQUERI (FI):'ESSENTIAL TO DECARBONIZE THE COUNTRY'

Luca Squeri, MP, secretary of the X Productive Activities Commission and head of the Energy department of Forza Italia, underlined that 'the debate on the energy transition is particularly intense today.It is essential, in this context, to give dignity to other energy sources.If we really want to decarbonise the country, and we must do it by 2050, nuclear power is essential.'

PROCACCINI (FDI):'INVEST NOW, NO TO THE NIMBY SYNDROME'

According to Nicola Procaccini, MEP and head of the Environment and Energy department of Fratelli d'Italia, 'when talking about nuclear energy I believe it is essential to focus on costs and times.It is therefore essential to invest in the technologies of the future and, at the same time, work on public opinion, guaranteeing transparency and combating the so-called 'nimby syndrome'.

CAPONE-ULGIATI (UGL):'WITH NUCLEAR, SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES AND A FERTILE FUTURE'

Francesco Paolo Capone, general secretary of the UGL, highlighted that the union 'wants to carry forward a vision that puts energy and infrastructure at the centre.The transition to new energy sources is one of the challenges we are called to face.This is a process that must be accompanied by adequate investments.Nuclear offers significant advantages in terms of continuous energy production and low greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, while ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.

For Luigi Ulgiati, deputy general secretary of the Ugl, 'Ufl Chimici wants to contribute to the debate by creating the opportunity for a discussion that gives the opportunity to inform and form public opinion.The future of nuclear energy in Italy is fertile ground, where challenges and opportunities intertwine.With synergistic commitment and far-sighted vision, Italy can play a significant role in the transformation of the energy sector towards more sustainable, accessible and reliable solutions.

ARTIZZU (SOGIN):'IT IS THE CLEANEST SOURCE OF ALL AND THE ONE THAT CAUSES THE FEWEST VICTIMS'

According to Gian Luca Artizzu, CEO of the Sogin Spa Group, 'nuclear is the cleanest energy source of all and the one that causes the fewest victims.When talking about a nuclear power plant, it must be kept in mind that there is no accident in the world involving nuclear waste.The third generation of nuclear power and the management of this technology are very safe.Information and training of citizens are central aspects in which to invest.

ANNEALED (POLIMI):'SUPPORTING COMPANIES TO HOOK TO THE INNOVATION TRAIN'

Marco Ricotti, of the Polytechnic of Milan and president of Cirten, observed that 'important support must be given to companies to join the innovation train that is starting in Europe.It is therefore a priority to invest in the training of young people.In this context, our skills and our workers can make a fundamental contribution.

ZOLLINO (ACTION):'THE COUNTRY NEEDS ENERGY TO GROW AND GENERATE WORK'

Giuseppe Zollino, professor at the University of Padua and head of Energy and Environment at Action, specified that 'if we have to prepare the rules on the management of nuclear energy, we need to have a far-sighted and long-term vision by facing the opposition of those who are viscerally against it.Technological development continues today.It is therefore necessary to consider that our country needs energy to grow and generate employment.

FIORIN (CHEMICAL UGL):'WITH NUCLEAR ITALY CAN ACHIEVE COMPLETE AUTONOMY'

Eliseo Fiorin, general secretary of Ugl Chemicals-Textiles-Energy, added that 'contemporary challenges lead us to address the topic of nuclear energy with renewed interest.The role of nuclear energy in the energy transition can be particularly significant.Historically, the cost of energy represents a crucial aspect for the competitiveness of businesses and the purchasing power of families.Nuclear energy could bring significant benefits by allowing our country to achieve complete autonomy.

RIZZOTTI (NEWCLEO):'INVESTING IN INNOVATION TO CREATE A CIRCULAR ECONOMY'

Elisabeth Rizzotti, Coo, Managing Director Italy and co-founder of Newcleo, underlined that 'among the challenges of nuclear power there is certainly the management of the material emitted by the plants.There are technologies that allow such materials to be reused numerous times in the life of a reactor.By investing in innovation it is possible to create a circular economy.We need an energy mix and in this sense nuclear power can optimize renewable energy.'