Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government is actively pursuing the reintroduction of nuclear power, focusing on next-generation technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs). This push comes after Italy abandoned nuclear power following the Chernobyl disaster and a subsequent referendum, and a later moratorium after Fukushima. The government's 2024 energy and climate plan estimates that nuclear power could save approximately €17 billion compared to an all-renewables strategy, though Italy's central bank suggests it might not lead to savings. The Lower House has already approved a bill paving the way for nuclear power, which is expected to pass the Senate by the end of July.
Meloni's administration justifies this pivot by citing a growing demand for decarbonized electricity, a forecast doubling of national energy demand by 2050, and the need for energy security following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin stated that the first plants could be operational by the end of this decade or in the early 2030s, with some analysts projecting 2033-2035. Industry estimates suggest a single 300-megawatt SMR could cost between €3 billion and €6 billion, with the government hoping private capital will cover much of these costs.
Despite the government's optimism, significant challenges remain. Critics argue that the process will be slow, expensive, and could increase power bills, which are already the second highest in Europe. A report by Italy's central bank highlighted the lack of domestic know-how and the concentration of fuel processing in politically risky countries like Russia. Public opinion, while more favorable now (around 55% support for next-generation plants), still shows strong opposition (about 60%) to reactors being built in one's own province. Furthermore, Italy lacks a national repository for existing nuclear waste, and any future waste-storage sites are likely to face strong local opposition. Environmental groups and left-wing parties may also seek a new referendum once specific reactor locations and waste-storage plans are disclosed.
The potential market for nuclear power in Italy is substantial, with an EY study estimating it could reach €50 billion by 2050. Italy joined the French-led European Nuclear Alliance in June to promote nuclear energy across the EU. The government's plan forecasts that nuclear fission could meet 11% to 22% of national demand by 2050. However, the economic viability of SMRs is still unproven at scale, and critics question whether they will dramatically improve the economics of nuclear power, which has historically faced exorbitant costs in Europe.
