Italy Approves New Nuclear Framework for Micro-Reactor Technology
News related to:Terra Innovatum · 2 min read
NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Italy has taken a significant step toward reviving its nuclear energy sector, approving a new framework that paves the way for the country’s return to nuclear power after a 38-year hiatus. The legislation, which was passed by the Italian Parliament, establishes a national framework for sustainable nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear technologies such as small and micro-modular reactors (SMRs).
At the 70th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna in September 2026, Italy showcased Terra Innovatum’s SOLO™ micro-modular reactor as its domestic solution. Terra Innovatum, a developer of the SOLO™ Micro-Modular Reactor, sees this as a milestone for Italian excellence and innovation on the global stage. The company believes that smaller, modular reactors can expand nuclear energy beyond traditional large-scale power plants, delivering reliable power to industrial facilities, data centers, and other energy-intensive infrastructure.
Alessandro Petruzzi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Terra Innovatum, expressed optimism about the new framework.
The SOLO™ reactor, which was engineered over six years by experts in nuclear safety, licensing, innovation, and R&D, is designed to be scalable, affordable, and deployable anywhere. It can generate 1 megawatt of electricity (MWe) and is intended to address the growing demand for distributed nuclear power. Terra Innovatum is developing SOLO™ through the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing process and aims to secure the regulatory approvals required for first-of-a-kind deployment by the end of 2027. The company plans to achieve commercial deployment and scale-up by the end of 2028.
Massimo Morichi, Founding Partner and Chief Strategy Officer of Terra Innovatum, highlighted the importance of commercialization in the nuclear industry.
Terra Innovatum is committed to making nuclear power accessible and addressing global energy shortages. The company believes that SOLO™ can play a crucial role in providing reliable, carbon-free power to various sectors. As Italy develops implementing measures under its new nuclear framework, Terra Innovatum intends to evaluate opportunities to bring its technology, industrial partnerships, and supply-chain capabilities to the Italian market and participate in the country’s emerging advanced nuclear ecosystem.
The approval of the new nuclear framework is part of Italy’s broader strategy to strengthen energy security, industrial competitiveness, and decarbonization. The government is expected to develop implementing measures covering areas such as licensing, safety, waste management, and siting. Terra Innovatum recognizes the important role of Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) in supporting the development of the legislative framework enabling Italy’s return to nuclear energy.
The company’s mission is to make nuclear power accessible and deliver simple and safe micro-reactor solutions that are scalable, affordable, and deployable anywhere. Terra Innovatum’s SOLO™ micro-modular reactor is designed around proven nuclear technologies, commercially available low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel, and a standardized industrial supply chain to support repeatable manufacturing and commercial-scale deployment.
In conclusion, the approval of Italy’s new nuclear framework and the presentation of Terra Innovatum’s SOLO™ technology at the IAEA General Conference underscore the growing momentum behind advanced nuclear technologies in Europe. As Italy advances its new nuclear framework, the distinction between technologies in research and development and those approaching commercial deployment will become increasingly important.