Nuclear energy innovator newcleo and iron and steel plants developer Danieli have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the integration of newcleo’s lead-cooled fast reactors (LFR) with Danieli’s steelmaking technology.
The collaboration seeks to offer affordable, abundant, carbon-free electricity and high-temperature heat through newcleo’s nuclear energy solutions to power Danieli’s processes used to produce green steel.
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The partnership could lead to energy supply solutions across the iron and steel value chain, including applications linked to the Danieli digital melter and the production of green hydrogen for Danieli’s Energiron direct reduction technology.
newcleo founder and CEO Stefano Buono stated: “Danieli is at the forefront of the steelmaking industry’s effort towards decarbonisation and net zero, objectives which are ever more entangled with competitiveness and energy costs. Our objective through this collaboration is to provide steel manufacturers with economically viable solutions for the production of green steel.
“By combining our technologies, we will look to open up great opportunities for the global steel industry, not only by addressing the direct needs of steelmakers but also by propelling global supply chains towards a new era of competitiveness and sustainability.”
By collaborating, newcleo and Danieli aim to achieve significant milestones in decarbonising the steel industry while reducing energy costs and volatility.
The partnership comes at a crucial time for the European steelmaking industry, highlighted by the EU Commission’s strategic dialogue on the future of the steel sector and the Clean Industrial Deal announced in FEbruary 2025.
The EU Commission has pledged more than €100bn ($108.3bn) in support of EU-made clean manufacturing, recognising the importance of small modular reactors (SMRs) in decarbonisation strategies.
This partnership adds to newcleo’s existing collaborations with the companies Fincantieri, Maire and Saipem for nuclear applications.
The Italian government recently reintroduced nuclear energy in the country, offering future opportunities for Italian and European industries to access clean energy at competitive and stable costs.
