‘The return of nuclear power in Italia: challenging but achievable times’

AI will not replace engineers or safety systems, but will enable the analysis of vast amounts of data in a timeframe that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, thereby improving simulation, forecasting and decision-making capabilities. The aim of the ASSAS project is to use advanced models to simulate the behaviour of plants, detect anomalies at an early stage, strengthen accident prevention tools and make systems even more reliable and safe. In this context, Italia can play a decisive role thanks to the expertise of institutions such as ENEA in the development of advanced simulation methods, high-performance computing and the integration of AI with safety analysis methodologies. The next step is to bring these areas of expertise together to help define the new European standards.

Enea is trialling cutting-edge solutions that combine AI with the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain, such as the optimisation of photovoltaic systems or the development of systems for real-time electricity procurement. What is the timeframe for the large-scale adoption of these smart energy grids, and what are the main obstacles?

Pilot projects demonstrate that digital solutions make it possible to optimise energy production by forecasting consumption through real-time energy exchange between users. Clearer rules are needed, but so is a greater awareness of the benefits. There is also an infrastructure-related constraint, as grids must be ready to enable demand response. Furthermore, to ensure proper data management, work should be carried out on standardisation and cybersecurity, with a coordinated approach involving research bodies, institutions and SMEs.

 Artificial intelligence models and big data processing are leading to increasing energy consumption in data centres. How can the development of this technology be reconciled with decarbonisation targets?

The challenge is to ensure that the development of AI and digitalisation is consistent with decarbonisation targets. AI algorithms can, in fact, help to reduce waste in industrial processes, enable predictive maintenance and support the development of smart solutions. At Enea, environmental sustainability is a cross-cutting priority and is also central to the development of digital technologies: research is being carried out, amongst other things, into approaches that integrate AI with quantum computing to reduce consumption and optimise energy demand, as well as into digital twins to improve the energy efficiency of high-performance computing systems.

In the face of rapid technological change, what new scientific and managerial skills does the Agency consider to be priorities for steering the ecological transition in the coming years?

The energy transition requires increasingly interdisciplinary professionals. There is a growing demand for specialists in artificial intelligence, advanced modelling, cyber security, data management and digital twins, not to mention the specialist technicians who, in the nuclear sector, must hold specific qualifications. However, to lead the ecological transition, it is essential to develop skills that combine scientific rigour with new managerial capabilities to manage complex projects, attract investment and steer innovation processes. For Enea, the priority is to create an ecosystem in which research and industry work together to attract and train young talent, make the most of existing skills and encourage cross-fertilisation between different disciplines.

 The Italian business sector consists mainly of SMEs. How can ENEA act as a catalyst to ensure that innovations also become commercial and competitive solutions?

SMEs can rely on Enea to boost their competitiveness at lower cost and with fewer risks, by drawing on our infrastructure and expertise to meet their innovation needs. Our laboratories are open to all businesses wishing to innovate their products, services and business models. We have organised our scientific offering

technological innovation across 14 sectors, linking it to the needs of businesses and their supply chains. Our technology transfer model is based on the Knowledge Exchange Programme (KEP+), whose added value lies in the Knowledge Transfer Management structure – that is, project managers dedicated to supporting businesses in analysing their innovation needs and providing them with concrete solutions. In addition, we have a Proof of Concept (PoC) programme with a budget of approximately 7 million euros, aimed at companies interested in commercialising technologies or processes developed by Enea. To this we can add 950 patents and 9 spin-offs. A true asset at the service of businesses and the country.