The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is preparing legislation to reintroduce nuclear power into Italy's energy mix.

This shift represents a major reversal in national energy policy to increase energy security and reduce carbon emissions. The move comes as the administration looks to modernize the power grid while addressing the demands of a changing climate.

The proposed legal framework focuses on the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies. These smaller units are intended to provide a more flexible, and scalable alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear plants.

Italy is targeting the first reactors to begin operating between 2033 and 2035 [1]. This timeline arrives nearly 40 years after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster [2], an event that fundamentally shifted public perception and led to the abandonment of nuclear energy in the country.

Government officials are navigating a distinct generational divide regarding the technology. While older citizens remain wary of nuclear risks, younger Italians have shown more support for the return of nuclear power as a viable tool for cutting emissions [3].

The legislative push aims to align Italy with other European Union members that continue to utilize or expand nuclear capabilities. By focusing on SMRs, the government hopes to mitigate some of the safety and cost concerns associated with older reactor designs.

“Italy is preparing legislation to revive nuclear power, focusing on small modular reactors.”

Italy's pivot back to nuclear energy suggests a strategic prioritization of energy independence over the long-standing caution following the Chernobyl disaster. By focusing on small modular reactors, the government is attempting to bypass the logistical and safety hurdles of traditional plants, betting that a generational shift in public opinion will provide the necessary political cover for a multi-decade energy transition.