- Framatome expands into Italy with new offices in Milan and Turin, boosting nuclear energy cooperation between France and Italy.
- Framatome partners with Edison and Politecnico di Milano to enhance nuclear energy research, training, and development.
- Italy revisits nuclear energy, planning up to 16 GW capacity by 2050, positioning Framatome as a critical player in its energy transition.
Framatome, a French nuclear company, has opened new offices in Milan and Turin to strengthen Franco-Italian cooperation in atomic energy. The move aims to support Europe’s low-carbon energy transition and deepen ties with Italy.
For decades, Framatome recruited Italian engineers to work in France. Italian engineers can now contribute to nuclear projects in their home country with these new offices. Framatome CEO Bernard Fontana said the expansion meets Europe’s increasing demand for specialised workers in the nuclear sector.
In July, Framatome partnered with energy company Edison and the Politecnico di Milano to enhance nuclear research, development, and training. Their agreement includes joint internships, research projects, master’s theses, and doctoral studies. Framatome also plans to organise site visits for Italian students and professionals, facilitating the exchange of expertise between Italy and France.
Framatome intends to hire 2,500 people worldwide each year to support its growth. Elisabeth Terrail, Senior Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Framatome, highlighted the high-quality nuclear engineering programs Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino offered. She views these institutions as essential sources of skilled talent for Framatome’s projects in Italy and Europe.
Framatome’s Italian expansion aligns with the country’s evolving stance on nuclear energy. After abandoning atomic power following the Chornobyl disaster in 1986, Italy has recently reconsidered its position. In 2023, the Italian Parliament passed a motion urging the government to explore including nuclear energy in the national energy mix. This marked a significant shift after decades of public opposition, heightened by the Fukushima disaster 2011, which led to a moratorium on new nuclear projects.
In September, Italy’s National Platform for Sustainable Nuclear Energy held its first meeting to outline a potential roadmap for nuclear energy revival. The platform discussed timelines and industrial opportunities. Italy’s updated National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan, submitted to the European Commission in July, projects up to 16 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050. This would account for 20-22% of Italy’s energy supply.
Framatome’s new offices in Milan and Turin position the company to play a crucial role in Italy’s potential nuclear energy revival. By establishing a local presence, Framatome can directly support Italy’s energy transition while fostering more vital collaboration between the two nations.
As Italy continues to debate the future of nuclear power, Framatome demonstrates its commitment to expanding nuclear expertise across Europe. The company’s focus on recruiting Italian talent reflects broader efforts to develop a skilled workforce for low-carbon projects. With the demand for atomic energy rising in Europe, Framatome stands ready to contribute to Italy’s and the continent’s clean energy goals.