The Italian government has adopted a law to re-introduce nuclear power almost 40 years after it was banned by referendum.
The Council of Ministers has approved a bill, proposed by Minister Gilberto Pichetto, to delegate the executive to the new sustainable nuclear energy.
Pichetto stated: “With the latest generation nuclear, together with renewables – we will be able to achieve the objectives of decarbonisation, guaranteeing the full energy security of the country. In this way, Italy is ready to face the challenges of the future.”
The law mandates the government to adopt detailed decrees for the transition to nuclear energy. The process will be completed by the end of 2027.
Italy plans to utilise advanced modular reactors to produce sustainable nuclear energy while also decarbonising its most polluting industries.
The plan will save €17bn ($17.69bn) on decarbonisation costs by 2050 if nuclear power comprises at least 11% of the energy mix.
The national energy and climate plan suggests this portion could rise to 22%.
The new law will outline the operation of new nuclear modules and commission scientific research on necessary technologies.
It will also facilitate the dismantling of old nuclear plants and establish an independent authority to oversee the sector.
In 2024, Pichetto mentioned Italy’s discussions with companies such as US-based Westinghouse and France’s EDF as potential partners for a state-backed company to build advanced nuclear reactors.
Italian daily publications Corriere della Sera and Il Sole 24 Ore report that a state-backed company involving Enel, Ansaldo and Leonardo is nearing formation to explore small nuclear reactor options.
Italy also recently announced plans to introduce a $3bn package to support families and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amid rising energy costs.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini emphasised its urgency, as escalating gas prices threaten to undermine recent tax cuts aimed at boosting low and middle-income earners’ purchasing power.
The government intends to allocate €2bn ($2.08bn) for families and €1bn for SMEs.
