Italy ended its nuclear energy program by the close of 1980 following the Chernobyl disaster. A referendum in 2011, triggered by the Fukushima incident, upheld this ban. Yet, in a recent interview with the local paper Il Sole 24 Ore, Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin revealed plans to revive nuclear power by 2027.
Minister’s Statement
Pichetto expressed, “Italy is prepared to go back to nuclear energy, which is an essential decision that won’t replace renewable sources but will support them, ensuring a balanced and sustainable energy mix.”
Historical Context
Italy was among the first countries to adopt nuclear energy, launching three plants during the 1960s. Despite this early start, the country has not operated any nuclear power facilities for decades. As of 2023, about 45% of Italy’s electricity came from natural gas, while 16% came from hydropower, according to the International Energy Agency. Other renewable sources like wind and solar have also gained ground in the overall energy landscape.
Future Plans
The minister shared that a legislative proposal is currently being reviewed by the Department for Legal and Legislative Affairs within the Presidency of the Council of Ministers to facilitate the advancement of nuclear technology. With this new law, the government aims to streamline the processes for establishing nuclear power plants, which they expect to be operational by 2027.
By adopting this energy source, Italy could advance its goals for decarbonization and possibly lower energy costs, as noted by Pichetto.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply