The steel industry, a cornerstone of global manufacturing, is on the cusp of a transformative shift. Newcleo, a nuclear energy innovator, and Danieli, a leading developer of iron and steel plants, have joined forces to explore the integration of newcleo’s lead-cooled fast reactors (LFR) with Danieli’s steelmaking technology. This partnership is not just a collaboration; it’s a bold step towards decarbonising one of the most energy-intensive industries on the planet.
The initiative leverages LFRs’ unique capability to provide both electricity and high-temperature heat, a game-changer for the production of green steel. By harnessing newcleo’s nuclear energy solutions, Danieli aims to power its processes with affordable, abundant, and carbon-free energy. This is more than just a technical feat; it’s a strategic move that could reshape the global steel industry’s energy landscape.
The partnership’s potential extends far beyond the immediate needs of steelmakers. It could revolutionise the entire iron and steel value chain, from the Danieli digital melter to the production of green hydrogen for Danieli’s Energiron direct reduction technology. This is not just about producing green steel; it’s about creating a sustainable, competitive, and resilient global supply chain.
Stefano Buono, newcleo’s founder and CEO, underscores the significance of this collaboration: “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.”
The timing of this partnership couldn’t be more critical. The European steelmaking industry is at a crossroads, with 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 over €100bn in support of EU-made clean manufacturing, recognising the pivotal role of small modular reactors (SMRs) in decarbonisation strategies. This partnership aligns perfectly with these strategic goals, positioning newcleo and Danieli as key players in Europe’s green transition.
Moreover, the Italian government’s recent decision to reintroduce nuclear energy in the country opens up exciting opportunities for Italian and European industries to access clean energy at competitive and stable costs. This policy shift, coupled with newcleo’s existing collaborations with companies like Fincantieri, Maire, and Saipem, signals a robust ecosystem of innovation and sustainability.
The implications of this partnership are vast. It challenges the status quo of energy-intensive industries, pushing them towards a future where sustainability and competitiveness go hand in hand. It sparks a debate on the role of nuclear energy in decarbonisation efforts, urging stakeholders to consider its potential beyond traditional power generation. It also underscores the importance of strategic collaborations in driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
As the steel industry stands on the brink of this transformative shift, one thing is clear: the future of steelmaking is green, and it’s powered by nuclear energy. This partnership is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in shaping a sustainable future. It’s a call to action for other industries to follow suit, to challenge norms, and to embrace the potential of nuclear energy in the fight against climate change. The steel industry is not just decarbonising; it’s redefining its future, and the world is watching.
