The energy transition requires a drastic reduction in fossil fuels: we must focus on renewables, efficiency, and storage systems. But to ensure energy stability and security, stable sources must be combined with renewables. Among these, nuclear is returning to the center of the debate: in 2022, it was the world's second-largest carbon-free energy source, after hydroelectricity, and the EU has included it among the technologies eligible for the Green Deal. As we will see during the meeting, today's new nuclear technologies aim for safer, more sustainable, and modular solutions: these include Small Modular Reactors, based on consolidated technologies on a smaller scale, and Advanced Modular Reactors, derived from fourth-generation technologies, which exploit innovative fuels and new cooling systems. These reactors not only produce electricity, but can also provide industrial heat, district heating, and hydrogen, thus contributing to more flexible hybrid energy systems. They will play a key role in replacing end-of-life systems and supporting the increased energy demand associated with the electrification of transportation, the growth of data centers, and artificial intelligence. This roundtable will provide an opportunity to discuss the perspectives of research, industry, and policy, thanks to the presence of some of the key players in the Italian landscape.

link: 

https://www.festivalscienza.it/programma-2025/il-nucleare-che-cambia-le-regole