The Meloni government bet on the “sustainable” nuclear power To reduce foreign energy dependence e encourage the decarbonisation of Italy. But environmentalists and scientists warn: The real turning point is in renewables. Who is right?
The Council of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister of the Environment and Energy Safety Gilberto Pichetto Fratinapproved one delegation law which marks a potential turning point for the Italian energy scene: the return to nuclear power, but “in a sustainable key”. The decision, which aims to regulate the production of energy through i New SMR modules (Small modular reactors), lo dismantling of old centralthe waste management and exhausted fuelas well as research and it Fusion energy developmentrekindled a debate that seemed dormant, contrasting supporters and opponents of this energy source.
The path of the law: from proposal to approval
The bill, explained Fratin, was born from the need to diversify the Italian energy mix, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening internal production. After a first technical comparison with experts and representatives of the sector, the text was subjected to an internal revision process, involving the Environment Commission of the Chamber of Deputies and the Ministry of Economy.
With the #nuclear New generation, together with renewables, we will be able to achieve the objectives of the decarbonisation, guaranteeing full energy safety of the country. So Italy is ready to face the challenges of the future. pic.twitter.com/qonbmxomjr
– Gilberto Pichetto (@gpichetto) Febration 28, 2025
Following a series of consultations, the Council of Ministers approved the delegation law, which must now be implemented through legislative decrees Within 12 months from its entry into force. The provision provides for the adoption of a National program for experimentationconstruction and exercise of the new plants, up to the management of waste and the fuel exhausted, with a view to circular economy.
The government provides that nuclear power can contribute from 11 to 22% of the national electricity requestalongside renewables for reach carbon neutrality to 2050 and guarantee sufficient energy at affordable prices for families and businesses.
The return of nuclear power: government objectives and strategies
According to Fratin, the new nuclear power will be able to support renewable sources To reach the environmental targets established by Integrated National Plan Energy and Climate (Pniec). “With the latest generation nuclear power, together with renewables, we will be able to achieve the objectives of the decarbonisation, guaranteeing full energy safety of the country,” said the minister.
With new generation nuclear power, together with renewables, we will be able to achieve the objectives of the …
Posted by Gilberto Pichetto on Friday, febration 28, 2025
Another central aspect of the plan is the Training of specialized technicians for nuclear powerwith educational programs and economic incentives for the areas that will host the plants. The goal is to guarantee sufficient energy production at competitive prices, reducing dependence on abroad and stabilizing energy costs.
The criticisms of the 100% renewable coalition: “anti -historical decision”
The government’s decision raised strong reactions from the 100% renewable Network coalitionwhich brings together experts in the academic world, research, businesses, union and third sector, including the Foundation for sustainable development, Greenpeace Italy, Kyoto Club, Legambiente And WWF.
According to the coalition, the Nuclear Fission Central Centralseven if updated and small in size, are one obsolete, expensive and dangerous technologywhich generates highly radioactive waste for thousands of years. Furthermore, the costs of nuclear power, according to theInternational Energy Agencyare three times higher than those of renewables, and Italy does not have uranium or enrichment systems, making the country dependent on imports.
The coalition also disputes the operation of Greenwashing With which the government tries to pass nuclear power as innovative and sustainable, based only on the size of the plants and on some constructive adjustments.
Energy future: nuclear or renewable?
While Veneto has already rejected the hypothesis of installing an SMR reactor in Marghera e The country has not yet identified a site for the deposit of radioactive wastethe government accelerates on nuclear power. On the other hand, the 100% renewable coalition offers a model based exclusively on renewable energy sources, stating that The integration between solar, wind, hydroelectric and accumulation systems can guarantee the stability of the network.
To reiterate the feasibility of a 100% renewable future, the coalition has communicated that will present a study created by university teachers and researchers during a public conference on 11 March in Rome, on the occasion of the anniversary of theFukushima nuclear accident. The study will analyze the possible scenarios, demonstrating how the growth of renewables, with adequate investments in networks and storage, can guarantee energy safety and decarbonisation of the country, without resorting to nuclear power.
In the hearing in the Chamber, also the Nobel Prize for Physics, Giorgio Parisi He explained: “Italy must focus on solar, more productive and competitive. Investments are needed on the distribution network, not on nuclear power, and simpler rules to install systems “. And on nuclear power explained: “This option can be evaluated how much the related technologies will be available. At the moment they are on paper. It is certainly an interesting option for the future, but an investment would now be risky. “
The debate on the future of energy in Italy is now on: The challenge between nuclear and renewable is only at the beginning.
