Italy’s Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto, has expressed support for the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix during an Atlantic Council event in late April.
Speaking ahead of the G7 ministerial meeting in Italy, Pichetto emphasized the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) in helping Italy achieve its goal of reversing the current energy proportions from two-thirds fossil fuels and one-third renewables to the opposite by 2030.
The minister highlighted the environmental benefits and geopolitical advantages of nuclear power, saying that it could help shield Italy from the impact of global events. He also confirmed Italy’s participation in the European industrial alliance to develop SMRs and called for a constructive and scientific discussion on the topic rather than an ideological one.
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Italy’s nuclear history has been turbulent, with the country operating four nuclear power plants in the 1960s before deciding to phase them out following the 1986 Chernobyl accident. The Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011 further solidified Italy’s stance against nuclear power.
However, recent developments, such as the Italian Parliament’s approval of a motion to consider nuclear power and the establishment of the National Platform for a Sustainable Nuclear, suggest a shift in public opinion.
In related news, Italy’s largest utility, Enel, signed an agreement with the British start-up newcleo in March to collaborate on Generation IV nuclear solutions. The deal reflects a growing interest in innovative nuclear technologies as an alternative to fossil fuels. Under the agreement, newcleo has committed to securing an option for Enel as the first investor in its planned mini lead fast reactor, which is set to be deployed in France by 2030.
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