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The Council of Ministers has approved, upon proposal of the Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto, a delegation law for the regulation of new sustainable nuclear energy in Italy.
This measure marks a change of direction in the country’s energy strategies and aims to ensure a transition towards a safe, sustainable and independent system. The main objective of the delegation law is to regulate energy production through new-generation nuclear modules, the dismantling of old power plants, the management of waste and spent fuel, as well as promoting research and development of fusion energy. Furthermore, the measure provides for a reorganization of the competences and functions in nuclear matters, with the creation of an independent Authority for safety, supervision and control.
“With new-generation nuclear energy, together with renewable energy, we will be able to achieve the decarbonization objectives while guaranteeing the full energy security of the country,” declared Minister Pichetto. He also stressed that this is a significant change compared to the past, with a completely new vision, based on safer and more sustainable technologies.
The Guidelines of the Delegated Law
The delegated law establishes that the government must adopt, within 12 months of its entry into force, a series of legislative decrees to organically regulate the entire life cycle of new nuclear energy. The National Program that will be developed will include several key aspects:
Testing, localization, construction and operation of new nuclear modules.
Manufacturing and reprocessing of fuel with a view to a circular economy.
Decommissioning and dismantling of existing plants to ensure environmental safety.
Management of waste and spent fuel, a crucial aspect for sustainability.
Promotion of research and development on fusion energy, considered one of the most promising frontiers for future energy supply.
Reorganization of skills and functions, with the creation of an independent Authority for safety and control of the sector.
Training and information programs, to develop new professional figures and raise public awareness of the benefits of sustainable nuclear power.
According to Minister Pichetto, the first new-generation reactors will be operational around 2030. This forecast is based on studies by the National Platform for Sustainable Nuclear Power and data provided by leading international research centers. “The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (Pniec) envisages the next decade as a key period for the launch of new nuclear power. Analysts estimate that the first modules will be ready by the end of the decade,” said the minister.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underlined the strategic importance of the decision taken by the government. “We have chosen to look to the future with long-term choices, because this is what Italy needs: courageous and structural choices. This is the commitment we have made to the Italians and it is the commitment we intend to respect,” said the Prime Minister. Meloni reiterated that the adoption of the new nuclear will allow Italy to have safe, clean and low-cost energy, reducing dependence on foreign sources and ensuring greater energy security. A fundamental step to strengthen the competitiveness of the Italian production system and contain energy costs for families and businesses. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also enthusiastically welcomed the approval of the enabling law, calling it “a historic day for Italy”. Tajani urged Italians to look to the future without prejudice, underlining that the new nuclear has nothing to do with that of the past. “With the approval of the enabling law on the new nuclear, a journey begins, in Parliament and in the country, towards a sustainable energy future,” said the minister, inviting citizens to have a constructive attitude towards the measure. Despite the government’s optimism, Italy’s return to sustainable nuclear will not be without challenges. The public debate will be central to defining the consensus on the location of new plants, on waste management and on the development of the necessary technical skills. Furthermore, it will be essential to ensure that the legislative process occurs quickly, avoiding bureaucratic delays that could slow down the implementation of the plan.
However, with a clear regulatory framework and adequate strategic planning, new nuclear could represent a turning point for Italy, contributing significantly to decarbonisation objectives and national energy security. The approval of the enabling law on sustainable nuclear energy marks a turning point for Italy. The government is focusing on an innovative energy strategy, combining nuclear and renewable sources to ensure a safer and more sustainable future. With the forecast of starting up the first plants by 2030, Italy is preparing to return to the leading role in nuclear research and development in Europe, with the aim of consolidating its energy independence and reducing the cost of energy for citizens and businesses.
Alessandro Fiorentino