Nearly four decades after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster led to widespread opposition towards atomic energy in Italy, the country is once again moving towards reopening the debate on nuclear power. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is preparing the groundwork for introducing next-generation nuclear technologies as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on external energy sources. The Italian government is seeking to build support for nuclear power among a younger generation that views it as a potential source of low-carbon electricity and a solution to energy supply challenges.
Officials argue that modern nuclear technologies could help Italy meet climate goals while ensuring a more stable energy system amid global disruptions caused by conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Iran. The push, however, faces opposition from many Italians who experienced the impact of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and continue to associate nuclear energy with safety risks. Experts say the generational divide has become a central factor in the country’s renewed nuclear debate, with older voters remaining cautious while younger groups are more open to reconsidering atomic energy.
Italy’s Parliament is expected to approve government-backed legislation next week that will create a legal framework for the development of next-generation nuclear technologies. Once approved, the government will have 12 months to prepare detailed regulations covering reactor approvals, safety requirements, nuclear waste management and potential locations for future facilities. Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said the government’s immediate responsibility was to establish the conditions needed for future decisions on nuclear installations.
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He said the framework would allow authorities and stakeholders to evaluate whether and where modern nuclear facilities could be developed. Italy’s current nuclear policy represents a major reversal from its past decisions. The country was once considered one of Europe’s early nuclear energy pioneers, operating four reactors before public opposition following the Chernobyl disaster led to the shutdown of its nuclear programme. A national referendum held in 1987 effectively ended Italy’s nuclear ambitions after the Chernobyl accident raised concerns over radiation risks. A later attempt to restart the nuclear sector after the Fukushima disaster in Japan in 2011 also failed, with around 94% of voters rejecting plans for new reactors.
The renewed push comes as several European countries, including France and Poland, expand or explore nuclear energy projects in response to concerns over energy independence and climate change. Unlike these nations, Italy faces the challenge of rebuilding a nuclear industry that was dismantled decades ago. Supporters of the plan argue that advances in reactor technology have significantly improved safety standards compared with older nuclear facilities. They believe modern systems, including smaller and more efficient reactor designs, could address some of the concerns that shaped earlier public opposition.
Critics, however, continue to question issues such as nuclear waste disposal, construction costs and the long timeline required to develop new facilities. Environmental groups have warned that investment in nuclear power could divert resources from renewable energy projects. The debate reflects a broader European conversation over the future of energy systems, where governments are balancing climate targets, economic needs and energy security. For Italy, the decision represents a significant policy shift that could reshape its approach to electricity generation in the decades ahead.
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