Following the presentation of the report “The Development of Nuclear Energy in the National Energy Mix”, promoted by Confindustria and ENEA, Assofond – the Italian Foundry Association – has expressed strong support for the revival of nuclear energy in Italy. The association views nuclear power as a key pillar of the country's future energy strategy and a potential driver for strengthening and expanding the national industrial supply chain.
Nuclear energy is a key technology for decarbonisation and a fundamental element in safeguarding the competitiveness of Italian industry, stated Fabio Zanardi, President of Assofond. In the medium to long term, access to affordable, stable, and predictable energy – as enabled by new-generation nuclear plants – will be essential for the economic sustainability of energy-intensive sectors such as ours.
The foundry sector already plays a vital role in nuclear energy by producing highly specialised cast components used in control systems, pumps, valves, shielding, and structural elements. Italy’s foundries possess the technological expertise, production capacity, and quality standards required to meet the strict demands of the nuclear industry.
“Although the nuclear market is currently a specialised niche,” Zanardi continued, “reintroducing nuclear energy in Italy would open up new industrial opportunities. Companies that have already invested in innovation and certification would be well-positioned to contribute to the development of a safe, sustainable, and technologically advanced national supply chain.” A coherent, long-term national programme with clear objectives and stable regulations would allow Italian foundries to be structurally integrated into the nuclear value chain, thus boosting domestic demand and generating direct industrial benefits across the country.
One such company is Safas S.p.A., a steel foundry based in the province of Vicenza, and one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of cast components for nuclear applications.
We have been producing cast parts for the primary and secondary circuits of nuclear power plants for many years, with our highly specialised components undergoing the most rigorous quality checks,” explained Matteo Pasqualotto, CEO of Safas. “With over 40 years of experience, we have contributed to both the French and German nuclear programmes and supplied parts to plants worldwide. Today, we manufacture pump casings for the primary cooling circuits of next-generation nuclear reactors.
About Assofond
Assofond (Associazione Italiana Fonderie) is the national trade association representing Italian foundries. Founded in 1948, it is a member of Confindustria and a founding member of the European Foundry Federation (EFF). Assofond advocates for the interests of the industry at both national and international levels, promotes competitiveness and recognition of Italian foundries, and supports its member companies with expertise in administration, trade, economy, taxation, law, technology, environment, health and safety.
The Foundry Industry – A Cornerstone of Italian Manufacturing
Italian foundries are key suppliers to all major industrial sectors, from automotive and mechanical engineering to aerospace, construction, and power generation. With around 900 companies, 23,000 employees, and a turnover of over €7.6 billion, Italy ranks second in Europe after Germany. The foundry process is not only highly energy-efficient but also a model of circular economy: foundries use recycled metal scrap as raw material and produce components that are themselves 100% recyclable.
