Ansaldo Energia has approved plans to merge its subsidiary Ansaldo Nucleare into the parent company, creating a dedicated Nuclear Business Unit to accelerate growth in nuclear power. The move is intended to combine Ansaldo Nucleare’s specialist expertise with the group’s industrial capacity, manufacturing capabilities and financial resources.
The merger plan has been approved by the boards of both companies but remains subject to further approvals under the applicable procedures. It will also be presented to trade unions as part of the consultation process with employee representatives.
The new business unit will maintain continuity across existing operations, certifications, programmes and customer relationships. Ansaldo Energia expects the integration to simplify management, improve cost efficiency and support the delivery of nuclear projects.
Its remit will cover lifetime extension programmes for existing nuclear plants, small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced Generation IV technologies and international nuclear fusion programmes. The group’s established capabilities in engineering, manufacturing, supply chain management and long-term services are also expected to support its nuclear activities.
Daniela Gentile, currently chief executive of Ansaldo Nucleare, will become executive vice-president for nuclear at Ansaldo Energia, leading the new business unit and the group’s strategic development in the sector.
“Nuclear energy is returning to the centre of long-term energy strategies across Europe,” said Fabrizio Fabbri, chief executive of Ansaldo Energia. “With this integration, we are further strengthening the role of nuclear within Ansaldo Energia, bringing together specialised expertise, industrial capabilities and financial strength.”
Ansaldo Nucleare has more than 60 years of nuclear experience and participates in international programmes including ITER. It also collaborates with SMR developers and is involved in the European EU-SMR-LFR project, which is developing a modular lead-cooled fast reactor.
The group is also a shareholder in Nuclitalia, which assesses technologies for new nuclear power in Italy, and is working with RINA to develop the country’s nuclear supply chain.
Ansaldo Energia said its recently completed €470 million syndicated financing would support investment under its industrial plan, including development of the nuclear business.
