• After the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, many countries, including Italy, halted their nuclear energy programs. However, nuclear power is now regaining popularity as a clean energy source to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
• Despite a failed 2011 attempt to revive nuclear energy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plans to renew atomic energy production in Italy, aiming for nuclear power to account for at least 11% of electricity by 2050, focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs).
• Italy’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels (81%) and geographical constraints make wind and solar power less feasible, making nuclear energy a crucial option for ensuring energy security and reducing emissions.

After the catastrophic Chernobyl disaster in 1986 sparked widespread fears about the safety of power reactors, many countries significantly downsized their nuclear energy programs, and some even outright eliminated them. However, as nations aim to cut their fossil fuel emissions to combat climate change, nuclear power is quickly becoming a popular alternative as a clean energy source. In early June, the Japanese government announced that it would be considering resuming their nuclear power program, despite the recency of the 2011 Fukushima incident. A few weeks after, Australia’s opposition announced plans to construct seven nuclear reactors to meet rising energy demand. Now, Italy has announced intentions to restart their nuclear industry 35 years after they closed their last reactor.

Prior Italian Sentiment and Attempts to Restart Nuclear Power

According to Firstpost, the Italian government operated four nuclear power plants in the mid-20th century. However, following the Chernobyl meltdown in 1986, many residents vehemently opposed utilizing nuclear power over fears of a similar incident occurring domestically. In response to this, the government shut down all nuclear reactors. A few decades later, former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi tried to restore power plant operations. The Global Construction Review said that his government proposed supplying 25% of electricity by nuclear power by 2030, but Italians resoundingly rejected that plan in a 2011 referendum. However, sentiment is slowly shifting in favor of atomic energy. Legambiente, an Italian environmental group, recently conducted a survey, where although 75% of respondents were unsure that nuclear power was a solution to Italy’s energy crisis, 37% believed atomic power could be beneficial, provided that the technology was safe.

Meloni’s Major Maneuver

Despite Berlusconi’s failed referendums, the current administration is undeterred in furthering nuclear energy expansion. On July 15, the Financial Times reported that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plans to renew atomic energy production to decrease the country’s carbon emissions. Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said that legislation will be introduced to enable research and investments into small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), hopefully reaching operability within the next decade. He also laid out a goal of nuclear power accounting for at least 11% of total electricity production by 2050, believing that “to have a guarantee of continuity on clean energy, we must insert a quota of nuclear energy. Solar and wind power cannot provide the energy security that Italy needs.”

Why Not Wind or Solar?

According to the Global Construction Review, Italy’s energy distribution was disproportionately weighted towards fossil fuels, with coal, oil, and natural gas accounting for 81% of Italy’s energy. On the other hand, wind and solar only accounted for 7%. Though the government could theoretically increase wind and solar power production, these alternatives are not as feasible due to Italy’s unique geographical constraints, with mountainous terrain and rolling hills. Furthermore, government officials wish to preserve tourist attractions and the beautiful Italian countryside.

Moreover, global events and geopolitical differences also factor into Italy’s aversion to wind and solar power. Solar panels, largely manufactured in China, could potentially be a major political and economic weapon. Over reliance on and proliferation of photovoltaic panels could leave Italy in a precarious and vulnerable position if conflict were to break out.