In a significant policy shift, Italy's government is working to revive nuclear energy, four decades after the Chernobyl disaster led to a national aversion to atomic power. Premier Giorgia Meloni's administration aims to enhance energy security amid geopolitical tensions, particularly the crises stemming from the Ukraine and Iran wars.
A New Perspective on Nuclear Energy
The duty of the government at this moment is to create the conditions so that those who will eventually decide on installations will be able to do so.
Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister for the Environment and Energy Security
- Legislation for next-generation nuclear technologies expected to pass next week.
- Focus on small modular reactors (SMRs) rather than large plants.
The government's legislation aims to lay a legal framework for advanced nuclear technologies, allowing for reactor licensing, safety standards, and waste management within a year. This initiative follows Italy's historical rejection of nuclear power, having dismantled its program after a 1987 referendum, and a second failure to revive it after the Fukushima disaster.
Unlike other European nations embracing nuclear power to bolster energy security, Italy faces the challenge of rebuilding an industry dismantled decades ago. The energy minister noted that electricity demand could rise by 30% in the next decade, necessitating a diverse energy mix.
Public support appears to be shifting, especially among younger Italians. A June 2026 survey indicated that 55% of Italians favor the development of next-generation nuclear plants. This trend is attributed to a younger demographic that views nuclear energy as a sustainable solution rather than a relic of past disasters.
Viviana Cruciani, overseeing decommissioning at the Latina nuclear power plant, observed this generational divide. Younger Italians express optimism about nuclear power's role in addressing climate change and energy needs.
However, challenges remain. Critics question the economic viability of nuclear power, citing high construction costs and potential public opposition to reactor placements. A lack of a national repository for nuclear waste further complicates the situation.
As Italy moves forward, the political landscape could shift dramatically based on public opinion regarding reactor locations and waste management. The potential for future referenda looms if specific plans are proposed.