Italy is considering a return to nuclear energy, over a decade after banning it through a national referendum.
Electricity Demand to Double
The Italian government is exploring the potential of advanced nuclear technologies, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to help meet the country’s growing energy needs, according to Ziare.
According to Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italy's electricity demand is expected to nearly double by 2050, reaching 583 terawatt-hours (TWh), making it difficult to rely solely on renewable energy sources.
Plans to lift the current nuclear ban, in place since 2011, are expected to be finalized by early 2025. Should the Italian Parliament approve the proposed legislation, SMRs could be introduced by 2035.
SMRs, which are smaller and more flexible than traditional reactors, could provide Italy with a reliable energy source as the country transitions toward greener energy solutions.
Maintains Expertise
Despite the ban, Italy has maintained its expertise in the nuclear sector. For example, Italian utility company Enel is already involved in developing a nuclear fusion reactor in the United States.
Gianni Vittorio Armani, head of Enel’s network operations, expressed interest in exploring third and fourth-generation nuclear technologies, including SMRs. Other companies, like Italy's Edison and Ansaldo Nucleare, are also investing in this technology.
A recent study conducted by Edison, Ansaldo Nucleare, and The European House Ambrosetti suggests that adopting new nuclear technologies could boost Italy’s GDP by 50 billion euros. The government believes nuclear energy could fulfill up to 11% of Italy's energy demand by 2050.
