Italy Nuclear Power: Italy is planning to reintroduce nuclear power by the end of 2027, after nearly 40 years of the ban. Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin announced this in an interview with Italian daily Il Sole 24 Ore. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government believes that small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors could help in reducing the pollution in Italy’s heavy industries such as steel, glass, and tile manufacturing.
Due to referendums held in 1987 and 2011, nuclear power plants were banned in Italy. The government is now working on creating rules to lift this ban using new nuclear technologies.
Navy Tableau to Highlight 3D Capabilities and Indigenous Initiatives: Lt Commander Mamata Sihag
“Italy is ready to return to nuclear power, a crucial choice that will not replace renewables but will complement them, ensuring a balanced and sustainable energy mix,” Pichetto Fratin said. He also mentioned that a first draft law will be submitted for cabinet approval within the next two weeks.
In last September, Pichetto Fratin stated that Italy wanted to draft rules for new nuclear technologies by early 2025 and hoped that parliament would approve the draft legislation within the year.
As per Reuters, Italy estimates that it would save 17 billion euros ($17.7 billion) in the cost of decarbonizing the economy by 2050 if nuclear power constitutes at least 11% of its energy mix. The Italian energy and climate plan (PNIEC) estimated that nuclear power could contribute up to 22%.
Italy still has significant expertise in the nuclear sector. State-controlled utility Enel operates nuclear power stations in Spain, and energy major Eni is investing in a project to develop a nuclear fusion reactor in the United States.
India’s Indigenously Developed Pralay Missile to Make Debut in Republic Day Parade
Pichetto Fratin mentioned that Italy has been in talks with companies like U.S. energy group Westinghouse and France’s EDF as potential partners for a state-backed company to build advanced nuclear reactors. Enel, Ansaldo, and defense company Leonardo have been working on setting up this state-backed company.
In November Enel announced that it would join forces with other groups to set up a new company to study advanced nuclear technology, but no agreement has been signed yet. Italy’s ambitious plan aims to create a balanced and sustainable energy mix by integrating nuclear power with renewable sources.
