Italy Takes Steps to Reintroduce Nuclear Power
On Thursday, Italy moved towards reintroducing nuclear energy after its lower house of parliament voted overwhelmingly for a new Sustainable Nuclear Energy Bill.
The bill, known as the Pichetto bill—named after its sponsor, Environment and Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto—aims to reverse the 1987 referendum that led to a ban on nuclear power in the country, almost 40 years ago.
It received approval with 155 votes in favor, 86 against, and 8 abstentions.
Italian media reported that this legislation will create a regulatory framework to oversee the future construction and operation of nuclear facilities, particularly focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced modular reactors (AMRs), and microreactors. The current government, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is prioritizing these modern nuclear technologies for its energy strategy.
The bill is now set to be debated in the Italian Senate. According to reports, the government aims to establish the first related legislation by the end of 2026, ideally before the summer holidays.
Minister Pichetto described the bill’s passage as “an important step towards Italy’s energy future.” He emphasized that the groundwork has begun to prepare the country for sustainable nuclear energy as new technologies become available in the coming decade.
He noted, “Sustainable nuclear energy means greater energy security, improved decarbonization, and increased independence.” In a rapidly growing energy-demand landscape heavily influenced by advancements like artificial intelligence and electrification, he believes those capable of energy production will be in a stronger and more secure position.
Pichetto also highlighted the government’s intention to reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, aiming for more affordable energy for families and businesses. He argued that nuclear power, long deemed a “taboo” topic in Italy, should be viewed not through a political or environmental lens but rather as a practical solution worth serious consideration.
“This is a choice based on practicality, not ideology,” he stated confidently. “Free choice. More energy security and independence mean a stronger Italy.”
Italy previously operated four nuclear power plants from the 1960s to the 1980s but completely phased out nuclear energy following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. This decision was solidified by a referendum in 1987, and after the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Italians voted strongly against nuclear power again.
Currently, the country is highly reliant on energy imports, including electricity from nuclear plants in France, which contributes to rising energy costs amid fluctuations in the international market.
Interestingly, a recent survey in the newspaper La Stampa revealed that despite the controversial nature of nuclear energy, 54.9% of respondents supported using nuclear power as part of the Next Generation Power Plan to help reduce energy bills.
In April, the Director-General of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, urged Italy to rethink its nuclear ban: “For economic prosperity, energy security, and national sovereignty, Rome should carefully evaluate nuclear power, both in its traditional form and with new modular reactors,” he stated.
