ROME – Italy’s Council of Ministers will discuss a draft law that could pave the way for the return of nuclear power in Italy, decades after referendums in 1987 and 2011 led to its phase-out.
The draft law, which will be debated in today’s cabinet meeting, aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for sustainable nuclear energy production. This framework will cover various aspects, including nuclear power generation, the decommissioning and dismantling of existing plants, management of radioactive waste and spent fuel, research and development of fusion energy, and the reorganisation of competences and responsibilities in the sector.
However, the process is expected to be lengthy. The draft law is part of a broader initiative to finalise a consolidated nuclear code by 2027.
The government’s aim is to increase energy security, reduce energy costs and contribute to decarbonisation targets. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in particular Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin has repeatedly expressed its commitment to the revival of nuclear energy in Italy.
The National Integrated Plan for Energy and Climate already includes scenarios in which nuclear power provides between 11% and 22% of the country’s electricity by 2050.
It remains unclear which technologies and reactor types will be considered, but the government has signalled an interest in advanced third- and fourth-generation reactors, with a focus on sustainable next-generation technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs).
Regarding the structure of the Italian nuclear programme, the most likely scenario is the creation of a new state-controlled company comprising Enel, Ansaldo Nucleare and Leonardo. The selection of an international technology partner is ongoing. This new entity is expected to focus on research and development of third and fourth generation nuclear technologies, with the broader aim of revitalising the Italian nuclear industry.
The talks come amid an ongoing energy price crisis in Italy.
During the upcoming cabinet meeting, the government will also discuss measures to ease the burden of high energy bills on Italian households.
Italy currently has some of the highest electricity prices in Europe. In January 2025, electricity costs were 25% higher than in Germany, 40% higher than in France and 48% higher than in Spain. The average wholesale electricity price in Italy reached €143 per MWh in January 2025, an increase of 44% compared to January 2024, according to data from the Italian Energy Market Operator (GME).
Experts attribute Italy’s high energy costs to its reliance on natural gas, which makes it vulnerable to price fluctuations, bureaucratic hurdles that slow down renewable energy projects, and a general lack of energy independence.
(Alessia Peretti | Euractiv.it)