Italy to Revive Nuclear Energy Projects After 30-Year Hiatus

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni aims to revive nuclear energy projects after a 35-year closure of its last nuclear plant, to reduce carbon emissions in the country, reported the British newspaper Financial Times.

According to Italian Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Rome is planning legislation to allow investments in modular nuclear reactors that could become operational within 10 years.

Fratin predicts that nuclear energy will comprise at least 11% of Italy's total electricity consumption by 2050, highlighting Italy's goal to decrease its dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The minister voiced skepticism about renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power, suggesting they "cannot provide the security we need," reflecting the government's reservations.

Italy constructed four nuclear power stations in the 1960s and 1970s and had plans to expand its nuclear capabilities.

However, following the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, Italians voted overwhelmingly in a referendum to cease support for new reactors.

In response to growing anti-nuclear sentiment, Italy subsequently closed all its nuclear power stations, with the last one shutting down in 1990.

Two decades later, former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi attempted to revive Italy's nuclear program, but a 2011 referendum saw over 90% of voters reject the plan.

In a survey by Italian environmental group Legambiente, 75% of respondents expressed doubts that nuclear energy is the solution to Italy's energy issues, while 37% believed it could benefit Italy if safer technologies were used.

Fratin expressed confidence in overcoming Italy's historical resistance to nuclear energy, noting modern technologies offer "different levels of safety" and benefit families and businesses.

He indicated previous referendums would not hinder Prime Minister Meloni's government from introducing laws to facilitate restarting nuclear power stations.

Fratin highlighted Italy's efficiency in the sector, with advanced research institutions and active nuclear supply chain companies in international markets.

"It's about awareness," Fratin concluded. "Young people are more aware, while older generations, having witnessed Chernobyl, tend to oppose nuclear energy automatically."

Italy's move to revive nuclear energy coincides with new restrictions on solar energy use. Prime Minister Meloni warned of the threat to Italy's food security from widespread deployment of photovoltaic panels.

Fratin also expressed Rome's concern over excessive reliance on solar panels, many of which are made in China, with complaints from Italians about their impact on the country's countryside.

Fratin closed by highlighting the efficiency of small nuclear power stations, noting that generating 300 megawatts would require an area of just 4 hectares (40,000 square meters).