The TL-40, a lead-cooled fast reactor engineered for maritime propulsion, stands five and a half metres tall in the heart of Venice's historic Corderie dell'Arsenale. Open in structure and shaped like an elegant vase, the reactor’s flowing fibreglass shell, crafted with Moiré-patterned slats, invites visitors to step inside and explore the science of atomic energy through immersive, interactive storytelling.
Unlike the bulky, secretive reactors of the past, the TL-40 is compact, inherently safe, and capable of turning existing nuclear waste into energy. The collaboration aims to redefine the public image of nuclear power—presenting it as a clean, scalable solution for decarbonising high-intensity sectors like shipping.
“This is not your grandfather’s reactor,” says newcleo CEO Stefano Buono. “It’s a sustainable, forward-thinking technology built for the real world—and for the climate challenges ahead.”
Pininfarina has applied its renowned design philosophy to elevate the reactor from machine to message, while Fincantieri brings industrial credibility and maritime expertise to the table. The trio's presence at the Biennale, curated by Carlo Ratti, marks a bold statement: that nuclear power can be beautiful, responsible, and ready for the next generation.
Beyond the installation, the partnership is already shaping real-world applications—from newcleo’s upcoming R&D centre in France to Fincantieri’s exploration of nuclear propulsion systems.
In Venice, nuclear energy isn’t hidden away—it’s centre stage, reframed not as a relic of the past, but as a cornerstone of a sustainable future.
