Danieli Group and Newcleo sign partnership for green steel production

The nuclear and steel industries join forces in an innovative partnership to promote sustainable production. Newcleo, a pioneer in lead-cooled fast reactors, has announced a strategic agreement with Danieli & Co. Officine Meccaniche, a major player in the steel industry. This collaboration aims to explore the integration of Newcleo’s nuclear reactors with Danieli Group’s Green Steel technology, harnessing both electricity and high-temperature heat to decarbonise steel production.

Newcleo, founded by Stefano Buono, is actively collaborating with the UK, France and Slovakia to accelerate the development of medium-sized nuclear reactors. The agreement with Danieli Group marks a significant step in expanding the potential applications of its lead-cooled fast reactors. By integrating nuclear power into steel production, the partnership aims to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in one of the most energy-intensive industries.

The main objective is to incorporate Newcleo’s reactors into Danieli’s production processes, exploiting their ability to provide both electricity and high-temperature heat. This energy could power Danieli Technologies’ steel production systems, significantly reducing the industry’s dependence on fossil fuels.

In a joint statement, the companies underlined their commitment to industrial decarbonisation, highlighting the opportunity to lower energy costs and reduce price volatility. This initiative aligns with broader European efforts to transition to cleaner industrial practices. The European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal, launched in February, has committed over €100 billion to support energy-intensive industries in reducing emissions and promoting low-carbon markets.

The steel industry, like the automotive sector, is undergoing a profound transformation. Discussions are underway with the European Commission to define the future of these industries, emphasising cleaner and cheaper energy solutions. Meanwhile, in Italy, the Council of Ministers recently approved a bill giving the government the authority to develop sustainable nuclear energy policies, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to carbon neutrality.

The collaboration with Danieli Group is part of Newcleo’s broader strategy to develop nuclear energy applications across various industries. Other key partnerships include agreements with Fincantieri for naval propulsion, Maire for green chemistry, and Saipem for offshore nuclear applications. These alliances demonstrate the increasing role of modular nuclear reactors in shaping a sustainable energy future.