Italy, the only G8 country without an operational nuclear power plant, is advancing toward reversing its nearly four-decade-long ban on nuclear power. After the 1987 shutdown of its four reactors following the Chernobyl disaster, public opposition to nuclear energy has been strong. Despite attempts to revive nuclear energy in the past, including a failed 2008 initiative, the ban remained in place.
In May 2023, Italy’s lower house of parliament passed motions asking the government to consider nuclear power as a clean energy source. Now, Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin has announced plans to draft legislation by early 2025 to reverse the ban, aiming for government approval later in the year.
The World Nuclear Association supports the move, emphasizing the importance of nuclear energy for Italy’s energy transition and carbon neutrality goals. Nuclear energy, according to the association, offers a clean, reliable, and secure energy source that could be crucial for decarbonizing domestic and industrial sectors.
Italy’s efforts to decarbonize include a ban on new oil exploration concessions and a planned phase-out of coal-fired electricity by 2025. However, critics have raised concerns about energy security, pointing to nuclear as a potential solution.
Despite the ban, Italy has retained nuclear expertise and has been involved in nuclear developments abroad. Companies like Enel and Eni have pursued nuclear projects in Spain and the US, while Edison is working on small modular reactors (SMRs), which could be integrated into Italy’s energy mix by 2035.
The government is also reportedly planning to create a state-backed nuclear power company, with discussions involving Ansaldo, Enel, and Newcleo. If all nuclear revival plans proceed, nuclear power could supply up to 11% of Italy’s domestic energy demand by 2050.