The Italian Senate on Tuesday passed the final bill that authorises the construction of new nuclear power plants, completing the parliamentary process that began earlier this year. The legislation clears the legal path for the first reactors to be commissioned by 2033, a key element of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s plan to diversify the country’s energy mix and cut reliance on imported gas.
Legislative breakthrough
The enabling act, which sets out the framework for licensing, financing and waste management, was approved after weeks of debate in both chambers. With the Senate’s vote, the bill now requires only presidential signature before becoming law, according to reports from Italy’s state news agency ANSA.
“This is a historic day for Italy,” Economy Minister Giancarlo Pichetto said, adding that the first nuclear facilities are slated for completion in 2033.
Background to the reversal
Italy abandoned nuclear power in the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, following a 1987 referendum that shut down all existing reactors. For almost forty years the country relied on a mix of natural gas, renewables and imported electricity, while grappling with volatile energy prices and the need to meet European Union climate targets.
Meloni’s government argues that re‑introducing nuclear is essential to achieve net‑zero emissions by 2050 and to reduce the energy bill for households and industry. The move also aligns Italy with the EU’s broader push for low‑carbon baseload capacity, a point highlighted by EU Today when it noted that the law “clears the legal path back to nuclear power nearly 40 years after exit.”
Political and economic implications
The decision has drawn praise from industry groups who see nuclear as a stable, low‑carbon source, while environmental NGOs remain skeptical, warning of waste disposal challenges and the need for robust safety oversight. Reuters reported that the parliamentary approval reflects Meloni’s determination to fulfil her energy commitments despite opposition.
Financially, the law is expected to unlock billions of euros of investment. The government plans to launch an international tender for the first sites, though specific locations have not yet been disclosed. The legislation also establishes a state‑run fund to cover decommissioning costs and the management of spent fuel, addressing one of the long‑standing concerns of critics.
In the short term, the Senate’s vote signals a shift in Italy’s energy policy that could influence regional markets. Analysts quoted by Il Sole 24 ORE suggest that the addition of nuclear capacity could reduce gas imports by up to 10 % within the next decade, easing the country’s exposure to geopolitical supply shocks.
Implementation will now move to the technical and regulatory phases, with the Nuclear Regulatory Authority tasked with issuing permits and overseeing construction. The timeline to 2033 leaves ample room for site selection, environmental assessments and the building of the necessary infrastructure.
As Italy prepares to re‑enter the nuclear arena, the coming years will test the government’s ability to balance energy security, climate ambition and public acceptance, marking a pivotal chapter in the nation’s post‑Chernobyl energy narrative.
