Three European firms have unveiled the design of the next-generation sustainable nuclear reactor for maritime applications. The design of Newcleo’s fourth-generation lead-cooled fast reactor was revealed at International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale.
Fincantieri, Newcleo and Pininfarina combined technological vision, industrial expertise, and cutting-edge design to redefine the image of nuclear energy.
At the heart of the collaborative project, housed within Venice’s historic Corderie dell’Arsenale, stands a full-scale reproduction of the TL-40 liquid lead-cooled nuclear reactor designed by Newcleo. The company claims that it’s a safe, sustainable, and compact reactor specifically engineered for powering large maritime vessels and to produce energy in off-grid and isolated areas.
Safe, sustainable, and compact reactor
“This project exemplifies how technological innovation, industrial ingenuity, and design can converge to craft a new narrative for nuclear energy,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri.
“At this historic moment when industry must decisively address both ecological transition and energy security challenges, we contribute our expertise in complex naval engineering and advanced technological system integration. The new generation of nuclear technologies is no longer merely a prospect—it’s a tangible catalyst for exploring new application frontiers, beginning with the maritime sector.”
Designed with an open-section approach, the reactor allows a direct view of its interior. The immersive experience in the heart of the machine allows visitors to immediately grasp the principles and processes that govern energy generation.
Newcleo highlighted that the fourth-generation small modular reactors represent a revolutionary approach to the challenge of decarbonization, addressing the perceived limitations of conventional nuclear power.
Innovative lead-cooling system
The innovative lead-cooling system incorporates passive safety mechanisms that eliminate the risk of nuclear incidents through the laws of physics that govern the reactor’s operation. Furthermore, these advanced modular reactors can eliminate waste from conventional nuclear reactors through a virtuous multi-recycling system, consuming it to produce clean, cost-effective, and virtually endless energy, according to a press release.
The companies revealed that to illustrate these processes, they have set up a system for interactive visualization of data and information on nuclear energy and its role within the process of decarbonizing energy systems.
The installation will reveal the effectiveness of nuclear energy in decarbonizing maritime transport, as well as the potential contained in existing nuclear waste stored in Europe, which would be sufficient to power the continent’s electricity demand for hundreds of years, according to the companies.
“Through this installation, we’re introducing the world to a new paradigm of clean, sustainable nuclear energy designed to serve people and communities,” said Stefano Buono, founder and CEO of Newcleo.
“Moving beyond the large reactors of the past, we’ve developed small, inherently safe reactors that solve the nuclear waste problem while delivering abundant decarbonized energy. Together with Pininfarina and Fincantieri, we’re unveiling a new vision for nuclear power engineered for forward-thinking societies that are committed to both progress and caring for the environment.”
