Rome – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that her government is preparing to launch a new framework this summer aimed at reintegrating nuclear energy into the national energy strategy. This move reflects Rome’s direction toward reducing reliance on energy imports and enhancing its strategic security.
Meloni confirmed that the government is working on a comprehensive plan covering the legislative and technical aspects necessary to reopen the nuclear file, following decades of suspension triggered by public referendums that previously rejected atomic power in the country.
Modern Technology and Emission Reduction
The Prime Minister explained that Italy cannot ignore the global shifts in energy and the advancements in modern, low-emission nuclear reactors, especially amid economic pressures and rising global energy costs. The Italian government aims to diversify energy sources and decrease dependence on imported gas, particularly following the geopolitical tensions that disrupted European markets in recent years.
Small Modular Reactors and Public Debate
Analysts suggest the upcoming plan may focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are considered a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional large-scale plants. While this move aligns with several European nations re-evaluating nuclear energy as a tool for carbon neutrality, the issue remains divisive in Italy. Environmental and political groups raise concerns over nuclear waste and safety, while proponents argue that returning to atomic power is an economic and strategic necessity in a rapidly changing world.
