Italy took a significant step toward ending its 38-year ban on nuclear power in October when the Council of Ministers approved legislation that would allow the government to regulate the reintroduction of nuclear energy, officials said.
Parliament must still approve the bill, which would reverse Italy’s nuclear phase-out that began after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said the government aims to finalize the nuclear revival plan by 2027.
In May, Italy established Nuclitalia, a state-backed company led by energy giant Enel, power supplier Ansaldo Energia, and defense contractor Leonardo. Nuclitalia will assess small modular reactor technologies and potential industrial partnerships, with Enel holding a 51% stake.
The government projects nuclear power could supply at least 11% of Italy’s electricity by 2050, with capacity potentially reaching 8 gigawatts. Under more ambitious scenarios, nuclear could provide up to 22% of the nation’s power, officials said.
Italy was a nuclear pioneer in the 1960s, operating four commercial reactors before voters rejected the technology in referendums following both Chernobyl and the 2011 Fukushima accident. The country currently imports about 5% of its electricity from nuclear sources abroad.
The renewed push faces public skepticism. Environmental groups argue renewable energy offers faster deployment and lower costs than nuclear technology, while supporters contend nuclear power is essential for meeting climate goals and ensuring energy independence.
The proposed legislation would establish an independent Nuclear Safety Authority and strengthen Italy’s nuclear regulatory framework as part of the European Union’s broader decarbonization strategy.
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