GdF Suez, EOn partner on Italy
08 June 2010
France's GdF Suez and EOn of Germany have agreed to jointly explore opportunities in Italy's nuclear power sector. The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focusing on the current and developing market for new nuclear energy in the country.
EOn and GdF Suez said they will examine all the key issues related to new investment in nuclear power plants, such as technology, locations and industrial partnership. They will also "engage dialogue with the national and local authorities on mechanisms to promote a stable, clear and predictable regulatory environment."
In a joint statement, EOn and GdF Suez said: "Through this agreement, Italian nuclear new build will benefit from the backing of two companies with extensive experience in operating nuclear power stations and resources, and skills to deliver new nuclear plants."
EOn and GdF Suez said that, as in other nuclear projects, they are also in favour of a strong cooperation with local utilities, as well as with large consumers in Italy.
Klaus Schäfer, CEO of EOn in Italy said: "Nuclear is one of the ways for Italy to rebalance energy generation in the next fifteen years while ensuring security of supply, reducing carbon emissions and keeping energy as affordable as possible. The introduction of new nuclear power, alongside cleaner fossil fuels, renewables and energy efficiency, will be vital going forward." He added, "If the conditions in the Italian Market continue to develop in the desired direction, our cooperation with GdF Suez might contribute to the constitution of a further consortium in the future."
Stéphane Brimont, president and CEO of GdF Suez Energy Europe, commented: "The memorandum of understanding between EOn and GdF Suez is a first step of our cooperation to deliver an early, substantial and vital contribution for the re-entry of nuclear power in Italy." He noted, "To move forward we need the completion of the well advanced regulatory framework, a strong industrial partnership open to Italian and other European partners and a competitive process to access to suitable nuclear sites."
Italy phased out nuclear power after a referendum in 1987 but legislation finalised in 2009 has placed nuclear back at the forefront of the country's plans, calling for 25% of Italy's electricity to be nuclear generated by 2030.
Italy's major utility, Enel, formed a partnership with Electricité de France (EdF) in August 2009 for a joint venture investigation towards building four 1650 MWe EPR units in the country. If new build proves feasible, separate project companies will be set up to build, own and operate the new power plants.
Researched and written
by World Nuclear News