By incorporating nuclear power into at least 11% of its energy mix, Italy could save €17bn ($17.7bn) in decarbonising costs by 2050. Credit: SkazovD/Shutterstock.

By the end of 2027, Italy is set to finalise a strategy to reintroduce nuclear power, as reported by Reuters.  

The plan was revealed by Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin in an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The current administration under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is considering small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors as potential solutions to decarbonise the nation’s most carbon-intensive industries such as steel, glass and tile production.  

Despite past referendums in 1987 and 2011 that led to a ban on nuclear-fired power plants, the government is now working on regulations that would allow new nuclear-power technologies. 

Fratin said: “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.” 

He added that by early February, a first draft law would be submitted for cabinet approval. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In September 2024, Fratin expressed Italy’s intention to draft legislation enabling these new technologies by early 2025 at the latest, with hopes for parliamentary approval within the same year.  

By incorporating nuclear power into at least 11% of its energy mix, Italy could save €17bn ($17.7bn) in decarbonising costs by 2050.  

The Italian energy and climate plan (PNIEC) estimates that this contribution could reach 22%. 

Enel, a state-owned Italian company specialising in electricity and gas production and distribution, operates nuclear power plants in Spain and is involved in international nuclear projects. 

Eni is investing in a nuclear fusion reactor project in the US. 

Further discussions have been held with companies including Westinghouse from the US and France’s EDF, regarding partnerships for a state-backed company aimed at constructing advanced nuclear reactors in Italy.  

In November 2024, Enel announced plans to collaborate with other organisations to establish a new company focused on exploring advanced nuclear technology.  

No formal agreement has been finalised to date.