Italy is preparing to lift its ban on nuclear energy, which was passed by referendum in 1987. The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sees a return to nuclear power as a strategic step to ensure energy security and independence. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister of Environment and Energy Security, said he expects the plan to be approved by the end of the year and that nuclear power plants will be back in operation in the country by 2030.
Italy decided to close its nuclear power plants after the Chernobyl disaster in 1987, and in 2011, then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s attempt to return to nuclear energy was rejected after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. However, the government argues that this ban is no longer valid thanks to improved nuclear safety and technology. According to experts, if 11% of Italy’s energy supply is covered by nuclear power, 17 billion euros could be saved in carbon reduction costs by 2050. In the long term, the plan is to increase this rate to 22%.
Italy’s nuclear transition plan was proposed as part of the National Energy and Climate Plan submitted by European Union member states to the European Commission. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are expected to contribute to the green transformation of high carbon emitting sectors such as the steel and glass industries.
Italy is preparing to lift its ban on nuclear energy, which was passed by referendum in 1987. The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sees a return to nuclear power as a strategic step to ensure energy security and independence. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister of Environment and Energy Security, said he expects the plan to be approved by the end of the year and that by 2030 the country will be nuclear-free.
Although Italy has not operated a nuclear power plant on its territory for years, its energy companies have been involved in nuclear projects in countries such as Spain and Slovakia. France is also reportedly considering the construction of a new generation of nuclear power plants in cooperation with EDF. France generates around 70% of its electricity from nuclear power and exports €3 billion worth of electricity annually.
As the new nuclear energy policy awaits parliamentary approval, Italy’s move towards energy transition is being closely followed in Europe.