Italy is gearing up to potentially reignite its nuclear power sector, with optimistic projections set by government officials, including Minister of the Environment Gilberto Pichetto Fratin. During an interview at the "Forum in Masseria," Pichetto Fratin expressed his confidence saying, "I am convinced by 2030 we will have nuclear power operational in Italy." The Minister revealed plans to introduce nuclear delegation legislation to Parliament next week, stating, "There will be a lot of debate, and I hope by the end of the year, it will be approved."
Along with their hopeful messages, the Italian government is prioritizing nuclear energy as part of their strategy to secure energy independence, lower carbon emissions, and tackle soaring electricity prices. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration believes nuclear power will play a significant role in enhancing Italy's energy security. Pichetto Fratin has set 2026 as the deadline for establishing a legal framework to support various nuclear initiatives, from traditional reactors to cutting-edge technologies.
"With the latest generation of nuclear power, together with renewables, we will be able to achieve the objectives of decarbonisation, guaranteeing the country's full energy security," Pichetto Fratin claimed recently. Despite the government's ambition, there is considerable opposition from critics who argue nuclear energy is far more expensive and time-consuming compared to renewable energy solutions.
Italy's history with nuclear energy is fraught with complications; it was once at the forefront of nuclear technology before public sentiment shifted dramatically against it following the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, which culminated in a nationwide referendum. This backlash resulted in the shutdown of Italy's reactors by 1990, and subsequent attempts to revive the sector faced hurdles from another referendum after the Fukushima disaster. The subject of nuclear energy remains sensitive, with polling indicating approximately 81 percent of Italians remain opposed to it.
Energy consultant Simona Benedettini has welcomed the government’s initiative to challenge the long-standing taboo surrounding nuclear energy, citing Italy's remaining highly skilled researchers. The proposed legal framework is expected to encompass not only traditional fission reactors but also the exploration of fusion energy technology.
While no new sites have been officially designated for nuclear projects, discussions are underway among major national energy players such as Enel, Ansaldo, and Leonardo to develop small modular reactors (SMRs). These advanced reactors promise cheaper production costs and quicker installations compared to conventional nuclear technology.
Despite the potential benefits, experts warn of challenges inherent to the nuclear revival. Critics cite examples from neighboring France, whose nuclear plants have incurred colossal budget overruns and time delays. Luca Bergamaschi, from the climate think tank ECCO, addressed concerns saying, "There are so many legal, technical and political hurdles to nuclear power" citing skepticism about Italy reviving its nuclear capabilities efficiently.
The discussion surrounding nuclear energy revival also highlights Italy's precarious reliance on gas for electricity production, which accounted for over 50 percent of its energy mix as of 2024. This situation reiterates the urgency for the country to diversify energy sources and innovate more sustainable practices. Energy analysts, such as Beatrice Petrovich from the climate think tank Ember, have suggested focus on renewable storage and enhanced power grids as more viable paths forward for Italy’s energy policy. "New nuclear is more expensive than wind and solar and takes longer to commission and install," she remarked.
Some see the government’s push for nuclear as both strategic and politically motivated. Bergamaschi points out, "Focusing on nuclear power allows ministers to appear committed to low-carbon energy…while sticking with fossil fuel." He argues the revival narrative is driven by interests seeking to preserve market shares from gas profits and government backing.
The government plans to allocate €20 million per year from 2027 to 2029 for nuclear investments, underscoring its goal to facilitate the development of nuclear technologies to help meet climate targets set for 2050. The strategy advocates for installing enough nuclear capacity to generate 11 to 22 percent of the nation's energy consumption using both SMRs and experimental fusion power plants.
Despite the initiatives, Italy's future nuclear industry remains clouded by legislative and social uncertainties. With opinions still heavily skewed against nuclear energy, protests are anticipated as critics mobilize grassroots support for another referendum to put the revival plan to the test. The road to successfully rejuvenate Italy's once-vibrant nuclear sector appears to be dotted with challenges—technological, financial, and public perception.