Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Italian Parliament Backs Meloni Plan to Restart Nuclear Power
Italy’s Senate approved a plan to bring nuclear power back to the country.
Italy closed its nuclear reactors after a referendum in 1987.
The government says newer reactors could make energy supplies safer and reduce pollution from industry.
It also wants Italy to rely less on energy imported from other countries.
Supporters say nuclear power could reduce the cost of cutting emissions.
Critics say reactors may be unsafe and take too long to build.
Many Italians support nuclear power in general, but fewer want a plant near their homes.
The government now has 12 months to create the detailed rules for the plan.
Italy’s Senate gave final approval to the government’s plan to restart nuclear power generation.
The government wants to use advanced modular reactors to improve energy security and decarbonize industry.
Italy shut its reactors after a 1987 referendum, nearly 40 years before the latest parliamentary approval.
The law gives the government 12 months to issue rules, including provisions for decommissioning and an independent regulator.
Supporters cite lower import dependence and potential savings, while opponents warn about safety, costs and land use.
- Who
- Italy’s Senate and Giorgia Meloni’s government approved the plan; Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin supported it, while centre-left opposition parties largely opposed it.
- What
- Parliament gave final approval to legislation intended to restart Italy’s nuclear power generation.
- When
- The Senate vote took place on Wednesday, September 23; the articles do not specify the year.
- Where
- Italy.
- Why
- The government says nuclear power would strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on foreign energy and help decarbonize industry amid higher energy prices.
Opposition and Anti-Nuclear Concerns
Government and Nuclear Supporters
Energy security
Opposition and Anti-Nuclear Concerns
Opponents argue that restarting nuclear power could increase dependence on a lengthy and costly construction process, while anti-nuclear campaigners emphasize safety concerns.
Government and Nuclear Supporters
The government says nuclear power, combined with renewables, would reduce Italy’s dependence on foreign energy and make the country more secure and competitive.
Climate and costs
Opposition and Anti-Nuclear Concerns
Critics question whether new reactors’ long construction timelines outweigh their benefits.
Government and Nuclear Supporters
The government argues that nuclear energy would help decarbonize industry and could save €17 billion in decarbonization costs by 2050.
Plant locations
Opposition and Anti-Nuclear Concerns
Centre-left parties and Senator Elena Sironi called for any plants to be placed mainly on already developed, degraded or former industrial land, without consuming additional land.
Government and Nuclear Supporters
The government’s legislation establishes a framework for relaunching nuclear production, including rules for new reactors, decommissioning and an independent regulator.
- Parliamentary status
- Italy’s Senate gave final approval to the plan.
- Previous shutdown
- Italy’s reactors were closed after a 1987 referendum.
- Technology proposed
- The government aims to deploy advanced modular reactors.
- Implementation period
- The government has 12 months to adopt implementing decrees.
- Projected energy share
- The government estimated nuclear power could account for at least 11% of Italy’s energy mix by 2050; the national plan says the share could eventually reach 22%.
- Estimated savings
- The government said an 11% nuclear share could save €17 billion in decarbonization costs by 2050.
- Public opinion
- A June Demopolis poll found 51% supported restarting nuclear generation, while a majority opposed a plant near their homes.