Italy Eyes Nuclear Power to Meet Carbon Neutrality Goals.

Italy is revisiting the idea of nuclear power as part of its strategy for carbon neutrality and energy independence. This debate has reignited political tensions, with proponents highlighting its potential to reduce emissions and provide a stable electricity supply, while critics emphasize safety concerns, high costs, and waste management challenges.

Nuclear energy’s history in Italy is complicated; it was phased out following the 1987 referendum after the Chernobyl disaster and reaffirmed in 2011 following the Fukushima accident. However, rising energy prices and the need for decarbonisation have reignited interest in nuclear technology. This article explores Italy’s energy policies, the key players involved, and the influence of social media on public opinion.

Why is Nuclear Energy Back on the Table?

Italy’s renewed focus on nuclear energy is driven by a mix of economic, political, and environmental factors. Advocates argue that nuclear is a low-carbon energy source that can help Italy meet its 2050 carbon neutrality goal.

They also see nuclear as vital for stabilizing the power grid in the face of intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind. Additionally, Italy’s high energy costs, largely due to reliance on imported gas, have made nuclear energy more appealing as a way to stabilize prices and boost competitiveness with other European nations.

Nuclear power is also viewed as a means to reduce Italy’s dependence on imported natural gas. Italy imports about 75% of its energy, making it vulnerable to geopolitical risks like the Ukraine conflict. Internationally, many countries, including Poland and the U.S., are increasing their use of nuclear energy, reflecting a global trend.

The shift towards nuclear energy in Italy has been particularly driven by right-wing parties, such as Fratelli d’Italia and Lega, as well as center-right groups like Azione. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, supported nuclear as an alternative to fossil fuels. Currently, more than 60% of Italian lawmakers support nuclear energy in some form, according to estimates from Pagella Politica.

Before the Ukraine war, nuclear energy had already re-emerged in political discussions, led by former environment minister Roberto Cingolani. He pointed to the potential of emerging technologies like fourth-generation reactors, which promise greater safety and lower costs.

Current Energy Policies and Plans

Italy’s energy strategy, outlined in the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), focuses on achieving decarbonisation by transitioning to renewable energy. By 2030, Italy aims to install 131 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity, primarily from solar and wind. The country also plans to phase out Russian gas by 2025 and increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports while strengthening agreements with Algeria and Azerbaijan.

For the first time since decommissioning its nuclear plants, Italy is considering the reintroduction of nuclear energy. The NECP, supported by Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, outlines the possibility of installing 8 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050, which could meet more than 10% of Italy’s electricity needs.

This share could rise to over 20% with the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced Generation IV technologies. Fratin emphasized that nuclear energy is a critical tool for maintaining the competitiveness of Italy’s industries, as lower energy costs in other European countries put Italian companies at a disadvantage.

Italy Eyes Nuclear Power to Meet Carbon Neutrality Goals
Factory plant in Tuscany, Italy, as seen from the coastline

In September 2024, the government launched the National Platform for Sustainable Nuclear Energy to coordinate efforts, enhance safety, and develop new technologies. A new delegated law is expected to facilitate the reintroduction of nuclear energy.

Criticism and Environmental Concerns

Despite these plans, the NECP has faced criticism from environmental groups like Greenpeace, Legambiente, and Green parties. Critics argue that nuclear energy is costly, environmentally risky, and impractical in the context of Italy’s energy transition.

Currently, Italy has no operational nuclear reactors, and it lacks a national repository for nuclear waste, with 51 proposed sites refusing to host waste. Additionally, Italy still has 1,680 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel in the UK and 235 tonnes in France, with agreements set to expire in 2025. Critics contend that nuclear energy may impede Italy’s transition to a renewable energy future.

Recent nuclear projects globally have experienced delays and cost overruns, and experts have questioned the role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change within the next 10-15 years. Furthermore, the viability of fusion reactors remains uncertain, and future electricity systems may not require baseload power plants.

Italy’s Nuclear History

Italy’s involvement with nuclear power dates back to 1946, with the establishment of a nuclear research body. The first reactors were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and by the 1970s, Italy had a robust nuclear program. However, public opposition and the Chernobyl disaster led to a 1987 referendum that resulted in the phase-out of nuclear energy. By 1990, all reactors were shut down, and efforts shifted to decommissioning existing facilities.

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The 2008 National Energy Strategy briefly revived nuclear energy under Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, but the 2011 Fukushima disaster and a second referendum halted these plans.

In the 2022 elections, the center-right coalition included nuclear power in its platform, with leaders like Matteo Salvini and Carlo Calenda advocating for its return. Calenda proposed constructing eight nuclear plants, each with three or four reactors, aiming for a total capacity of 40 GW.

Public discussions on nuclear energy have increased in recent months, with campaigns like the citizens’ initiative launched by Azione and the Luigi Einaudi Foundation in October 2024. The petition, which garnered 50,000 signatures in two days, is supported by pro-nuclear groups active on social media, particularly among younger Italians.

Will Nuclear Help Meet Climate Goals?

Supporters of nuclear power argue that it is essential for Italy’s decarbonisation efforts. Nuclear energy is seen as a low-carbon source that complements renewable energy. ENI’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi, recently stated that nuclear is “the only solution” for decarbonising economies. Prime Minister Meloni echoed this sentiment during the COP29 summit.

However, critics argue that nuclear is too costly and impractical for Italy’s decarbonisation goals. Environmental think tanks like ECCO point out the long construction timelines and high costs of nuclear plants compared to renewables.

Additionally, nuclear power plants are not suited to complement intermittent renewable sources, as they cannot quickly adjust power generation. Furthermore, nuclear relies on finite uranium supplies, and unresolved waste management issues persist. Critics argue that investments in renewables, energy storage, and smart grids are more aligned with Italy’s energy goals.

Key Stakeholders in the Debate

Supporters of nuclear energy include industrial players such as ENEA, ENI, Ansaldo Nucleare, and Enel, who emphasize the benefits of nuclear as a stable, low-carbon complement to renewables.

Ansaldo advocates for small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs) that promise efficiency and safety. Energy giant Enel, while focused primarily on renewables, continues to invest in nuclear research and international projects.

Opponents include environmental groups like Greenpeace and Legambiente, who argue that nuclear energy will result in higher electricity bills and undermine Italy’s decarbonisation efforts. Some environmental organizations, like Amici della Terra, have shifted their stance and now support nuclear energy.

Italy Eyes Nuclear Power to Meet Carbon Neutrality Goals
Italy Eyes Nuclear Power to Meet Carbon Neutrality Goals

Social Media’s Role in the Nuclear Debate

Social media plays a significant role in shaping Italy’s nuclear debate, serving as a platform for advocacy, while also fostering polarisation and misinformation. Pro-nuclear campaigns like Avvocato dell’Atomo use humor, data, and infographics to promote nuclear power, while opponents focus on environmental risks and historical referendums.

Social media’s influence is evident in political narratives, as parties monitor online discussions to gauge public opinion.

Traditional media, including RAI and major newspapers like La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, continue to cover nuclear energy, offering a range of perspectives. Investigative programs explore nuclear’s costs and safety, while platforms like Valigia Blu provide in-depth analysis of the technical and ethical challenges surrounding the transition to sustainable energy.

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