EU country paves way for return of nuclear power after nearly 40 years of ban

Italy is aiming to use advanced modular reactors to produce nuclear power sustainably.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the bill paving the way for the return of nuclear energy a step towards energy security and self-sufficiency. (Source: Reuters)

On February 28, the Italian government passed a bill paving the way for the return of nuclear energy after nearly 40 years of ban, which Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said was a step towards energy security and self-sufficiency.

The new bill would also pave the way for the decommissioning of old nuclear power plants in the European Union (EU) member state and the creation of an independent body to oversee the sector.

In a video message after the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Meloni announced: “The government has approved another important measure to ensure clean, safe, low-cost energy that can ensure energy security and strategic independence.”

The bill gives the government the mandate to pass detailed decrees for the transition. Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said last month he hoped the process would be completed by the end of 2027. The bill still needs to be approved by the Italian Parliament to come into force.

Italy is aiming to use advanced modular reactors to generate nuclear power sustainably and decarbonize the country's most polluting industries.

The Italian government argues that advances in technology and safety have made the 1987 referendum ban on nuclear power obsolete.

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