40 years after Chernobyl, Italy greenlights a return to nuclear energy

Live updates

1. 12d ago

   Italy Eyes Nuclear Power Revival Amid Costs and Crisis

   Italy has officially restarted its nuclear energy track following the entry into force of the enabling law for sustainable nuclear power on October 15. The energy crisis, driven by expanding war scenarios and rising electricity costs, has fueled the push toward fission to support the digital economy and artificial intelligence. Politecnico di Milano released its Nuclear Energy Innovation Outlook 2026, analyzing the supply chain, global markets, and the Levelized Cost of Electricity for small modular reactors. Analysts project costs reaching up to 217 euros per megawatt-hour for the initial plant, highlighting financial unknowns ahead.

   Why it matters

   The legislative pivot places nuclear energy back at the center of national strategy as Italy attempts to secure energy autonomy and manage soaring power demands. While the domestic industrial supply chain is deemed ready, the path forward faces regulatory unknowns, cost hurdles, and local opposition. This national restart aligns with broader efforts to accelerate sustainable energy deployment and power strategic data center investments across the country.

   What is confirmed

   • The enabling law for sustainable nuclear power entered into force on October 15.
   • Politecnico di Milano released the Nuclear Energy Innovation Outlook 2026 analyzing small modular reactors and the Italian nuclear supply chain.
   • Projections from the Politecnico di Milano place the cost for the first small modular reactor plant at up to 217 euros per megawatt-hour.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Opposition groups are organizing an appeal ahead of a meeting scheduled for November 7 regarding the sustainable nuclear legislation.

   What to watch next

   • Developments from the scheduled meeting on November 7 regarding the sustainable nuclear law
   • Further regulatory framework details delegated to the government
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.repubblica.it — Nuclear power: Italy gets back on track, but costs remain an ...
   2. www.infobuildenergia.it — Nucleare in Italia: filiera, SMR e costi - infobuildenergia.it
   3. www.canaleenergia.com — Nucleare in Italia, filiera pronta e mercati in fermento
   4. contropiano.org — Ci riprovano col “nucleare sostenibile”. Appello verso l ...
   confidence 95%
2. 15d ago

   Italy Advances Nuclear Energy Return

   Italy has enacted an enabling law that officially reopens the door to nuclear energy production, delegating the creation of a comprehensive regulatory framework to the government. This legislative move aligns with a broader national strategy to secure energy autonomy and speed up the deployment of sustainable energy sources. Minister Urso is accelerating the national energy strategy to overcome local resistance against renewable projects while simultaneously boosting investments in data centers across the country, including strategic initiatives in the Mezzogiorno region.

   Why it matters

   The legislative shift follows decades of nuclear moratoriums stemming from public opposition and historical safety concerns, marking a major policy reversal for the nation's energy sector. By integrating nuclear production with renewable expansion and domestic industrial infrastructure, Rome aims to insulate its economy from foreign supply shocks.

   What is confirmed

   • Italy's new Enabling Law reopens the door to nuclear energy production.
   • The Enabling Law delegates comprehensive regulatory framework development to the Government.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Minister Urso is accelerating the strategy for national energy autonomy to bypass local vetos on renewables while increasing data center investments with strategic projects in the Mezzogiorno.

   What to watch next

   • Government issuance of the detailed regulatory framework decrees mandated by the Enabling Law
   • Progress on unlocking blocked renewable energy projects under Minister Urso's directive
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.legal500.com — The Return Of Sustainable Nuclear Power: The Delegation To ...
   2. www.meteoweb.eu — Energia, Urso annuncia le novità: 4.000 progetti rinnovabili ...
   confidence 100%
3. 18d ago

   Italy Advances Nuclear Energy Framework as Global Uranium Markets Face Deficit

   Italy has enacted Law n. 169/2026 to establish a regulatory framework for sustainable nuclear energy and fusion. The Italian strategy targets the deployment of small modular reactors with a capacity of up to 8 gigawatts between 2034 and 2035. Concurrently, the IPCEI on Innovative Nuclear Technologies introduces a European industrial perspective. Globally, Western nations are pivoting back to atomic power to curb foreign energy reliance, driven by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. However, experts warn that without the development of new mines, worldwide uranium demand could outstrip supply by 2040.

   Why it matters

   Forty years after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster forced the evacuation of Soviet Pripyat, geopolitical pressures are compelling nations to reconsider nuclear power. Italy must increase electricity generation while cutting foreign market dependence. As global investments surge toward nuclear energy, the associated uranium market faces deficits that threaten long-term supply stability.

   What is confirmed

   • Law n. 169/2026 establishes a regulatory framework for sustainable nuclear energy and fusion in Italy.
   • The Italian nuclear strategy targets the arrival of first reactors between 2034 and 2035 with a capacity of up to 8 gigawatts.
   • Experts state that without new mines, global demand for uranium could exceed supply by 2040.
   • The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster forced the evacuation of Pripyat, a Soviet city of nearly 50,000 people.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Baba Vanga made predictions regarding world events that have drawn attention following recent devastation in Nepal.

   What to watch next

   • Progress on the IPCEI on Innovative Nuclear Technologies and European industrial developments
   • Announcements regarding the opening of new uranium mines to address projected supply deficits before 2040
   • Timeline updates regarding the deployment of small modular reactors in Italy by 2034-2035
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.cdc.gov — This is a TEST | State and Local Readiness | CDC
   2. www.cdc.gov — Think. Test. Treat TB | Think. Test. Treat TB. | CDC
   3. ntplusdiritto.ilsole24ore.com — Nucleare: parte la nuova stagione italiana tra regole ...
   4. www.ecoblog.it — SMR nucleare Italia: timeline 2034-2035 e costi reali
   5. geographical.co.uk — The global nuclear power revival is fuelling a new uranium ...
   6. en.ilsole24ore.com — Geopolitics is reshaping the future of energy in Italia
   7. economictimes.indiatimes.com — chernobyl nuclear disaster: Latest News & Videos, Photos ...
   confidence 100%
4. 27d ago

   Italy Clears Path for Return to Nuclear Energy After Decades

   Italy has advanced legislation to revive nuclear power nearly forty years after abandoning the energy source. The lower house of parliament approved the government bill with 155 votes in favor, 86 against, and eight abstentions. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni champions the strategy to reduce foreign energy dependence and lower emissions. New nuclear plants are planned by 2035. Globally, approximately $80 billion will be invested in nuclear power by 2026, while the uranium market enters a deficit.

   Why it matters

   Italy abandoned nuclear energy following a referendum in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster. The current legislative push addresses economic pressures and high energy costs, positioning advanced technologies and small modular reactors as solutions for energy security. Law 29 was published in the Official Gazette on September 30, 2026, delegating the government to handle sustainable nuclear energy.

   What is confirmed

   • Italy's lower house of parliament approved legislation to return to nuclear power on Thursday with 155 votes in favor, 86 against, and eight abstentions.
   • Italy plans new nuclear plants by 2035 to cut foreign energy reliance.
   • Law 29 regarding sustainable nuclear energy delegation was published in the Official Gazette on September 30, 2026.
   • Globally, approximately $80 billion will be invested in nuclear power by 2026.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An iter for public contributions already exists even though nuclear power is not yet in force.
   • The uranium market is sliding into a deficit.
   • Italy plans to utilize small modular reactor technology in its upcoming plants.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of regulatory, environmental, and security prerequisites before physical construction begins
   • Finalization of public contribution procedures and funding mechanisms for the new nuclear plants
   • Further parliamentary steps and timelines for deploying small modular reactors and third-generation plants
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.resource-capital.ch — Italy Returns to Nuclear Power—A Boost for Uranium Producers
   2. italytelegraph.com — Italy Nuclear Energy Plan: New Plants Coming by 2035
   3. cde.news — Meloni Government Wins Key Vote on Italy’s Return to Nuclear ...
   4. www.advant-nctm.com — Il ritorno del nucleare sostenibile: la delega al Governo tra ...
   5. www.ilfattoquotidiano.it — Il nucleare non è ancora in vigore, ma c’è già l’iter per i ...
   6. simple.wikipedia.org — 40 (number) - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
   confidence 95%
5. 32d ago

   Italy Advances Nuclear Energy Revival

   Italy is actively advancing its legislative push to revive civil nuclear generation after nearly four decades. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni champions the return to nuclear energy, targeting advanced third-generation reactors and innovative technologies to secure energy and lower emissions. The government faces economic pressures from energy price inflation and high transport fuel costs ahead of the 2027 election. State-controlled Eni and major fuel retailers previously stepped in to temporarily cap prices when domestic measures failed to curb rising costs. Implementation requires addressing complex regulatory, environmental, and security prerequisites before physical construction begins.

   Why it matters

   The legislative push to return to civil nuclear energy follows nearly forty years of absence after previous domestic measures failed to address economic headwinds. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni champions the initiative to bolster energy security and lower emissions ahead of the upcoming 2027 election. Implementing decrees must clear regulatory, environmental, and security hurdles before physical construction can start.

   What is confirmed

   • Italy is reviving civil nuclear generation after nearly four decades.
   • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni champions the legislative push targeting advanced third-generation reactors and innovative technologies.
   • The government faces severe economic headwinds driven by energy price inflation and high transport fuel costs ahead of the 2027 election.
   • State-controlled Eni and major fuel retailers temporarily capped prices after previous domestic measures failed to curb rising costs.

   What to watch next

   • Issuance of implementing decrees addressing regulatory, environmental, and security prerequisites
   • Physical construction milestones for advanced third-generation reactors
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.wral.com — AP Climate and Environment News and Reporting Coverage, page 3 | WRAL
   2. www.wral.com — Politics News and Reporting Coverage, page 20 | WRAL
   3. www.wral.com — Environment News and Reporting Coverage, page 4 | WRAL
   4. www.yourdictionary.com — Fourty vs. Forty: The Correct Spelling Made Clear -...
   5. www.youtube.com — E-40 x Juvenile - Sumn Ain't Right [Official Music Video]
   6. simple.wikipedia.org — 40 (record producer) - Simple English Wikipedia, the free...
   confidence 100%
6. 36d ago

   Italy Advances Nuclear Energy Relaunch Amid Energy Pressures

   Italy is reviving civil nuclear generation after nearly four decades. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni champions the legislative push targeting advanced third-generation reactors and innovative technologies to strengthen energy security and lower emissions. The government faces severe economic headwinds driven by energy price inflation and high transport fuel costs ahead of the 2027 election. Previous domestic measures failed to curb rising costs until state-controlled Eni and major fuel retailers temporarily capped prices. Implementing decrees must address complex regulatory, environmental, and security prerequisites before any physical construction begins.

   Why it matters

   Energy price inflation and low transport electrification leave the Italian economy vulnerable, straining Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration before the 2027 election. Past administrative efforts to lower diesel and gas prices through domestic fossil extraction, fuel tax suspensions, and car tax cancellations failed to avert strike threats from truck companies and taxi drivers. The nuclear legislative dossier aims to address structural energy vulnerabilities, though technical deployment will require significant time.

   What is confirmed

   • Italy is pursuing a return to civil nuclear generation after nearly four decades.
   • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces severe political pressure from energy price inflation in her final year in office before the 2027 election.

   Still unconfirmed

   • State-controlled Eni and major fuel retailers stepped in to temporarily cap fuel prices, easing pressure on the government after strikes were threatened.

   What to watch next

   • Drafting of implementing decrees covering reactor licensing, safety standards, waste management, and site criteria within the 12-month legislative window.
   • Concrete developments regarding the timeline for deploying advanced third-generation reactors and innovative technologies.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.europesays.com — REPORT – Italy’s Nuclear Relaunch: Law – Water and Industrial ...
   2. www.polesine24.it — Nucleare, l’Italia riapre la partita dopo 39 anni
   3. www.cleanenergywire.org — Dispatch from Italy | October '26 | Clean Energy Wire
   4. tuttieuropaventitrenta.eu — Nuovo nucleare in Italia: legge delega, energia e futuro
   confidence 90%
7. 38d ago

   Italy Senate Approves Nuclear Power Return

   Italy moves toward restarting its nuclear energy program nearly forty years after the Chernobyl disaster. The Italian Senate passed the government-backed bill by a vote of 81 to 51, with seven abstentions, following earlier approval by the lower Chamber of Deputies. The legislation grants the government a 12-month period to draft implementing decrees covering reactor licensing, safety standards, waste management, and site criteria. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni champions the initiative to bolster energy security, lower emissions, reduce reliance on energy imports, and deploy next-generation small modular reactors.

   Why it matters

   Italy abandoned atomic energy following the Chernobyl disaster nearly four decades ago. The newly approved legal framework paves the way for advanced nuclear technologies to enter the national energy mix, though construction remains years away. The strategy aims to decrease foreign import dependence while meeting specific climate targets through innovative reactor systems.

   What is confirmed

   • The Italian Senate approved legislation paving the way for a return to nuclear power by a vote of 81 to 51, with seven abstentions.
   • The legislation grants the government a 12-month window to draft implementing decrees covering reactor licensing, safety standards, waste management, and site criteria.
   • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's initiative utilizes next-generation small modular reactors to bolster energy security and meet climate goals.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Meloni's plan aims to operate small, innovative reactors by 2033-2034.
   • Nuclear power could contribute up to 11% of the energy mix by 2050, with the potential to increase to 22%.
   • Identified challenges include finding suitable reactor sites, ensuring sustainable funding, and managing public safety concerns.

   What to watch next

   • The drafting and implementation of regulatory decrees by the government over the 12-month window
   • Identification of suitable future sites for new reactors
   • Securing sustainable funding and addressing public safety concerns
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. tradearabia.com — Italy Senate approves return to nuclear power after four decades
   2. humanprogress.org — Italy Approves Framework for a Possible Return to Nuclear ...
   3. jarayid.com — Italy reconsiders nuclear energy after four decades
   4. www.edotto.com — Nucleare sostenibile, approvata la legge delega
   confidence 100%
8. 40d ago

   Italy Senate Approves Nuclear Energy Framework

   Italy moves to restart its nuclear energy program nearly four decades after abandoning the technology following the Chernobyl disaster. The Italian Senate passed a new legislative framework by a vote of 81 to 51, with seven abstentions. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated to parliament that the initiative targets both climate objectives and energy security by utilizing next-generation small modular reactors. The upper house vote grants the government a 12-month window to draft and implement the necessary regulations for the transition.

   Why it matters

   Italy previously abandoned nuclear power through a national referendum held in the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident. The new legislative push seeks to reverse that historical decision by integrating advanced reactor technologies into the national grid. The government now has a one-year deadline to establish the operational and regulatory details required to deploy the strategy.

   What is confirmed

   • The Italian Senate approved a new legislative framework to return the country to nuclear energy.
   • The upper house passed the measure with a vote of 81-51 and seven abstentions.
   • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni informed parliament that the plan aims to address energy security and climate goals using next-generation small modular reactors.
   • The government has 12 months to draft implementing regulations for the nuclear strategy.

   What to watch next

   • The drafting of implementing regulations by the government within the 12-month window
   • Further parliamentary votes or debates on the deployment of small modular reactors
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. calbudgetcenter.org — Billionaire Tax Explained: What Proposition 40 Would Mean for ...
   2. en.wikipedia.org — 40 (number) - Wikipedia
   3. calmatters.org — Billionaire tax explained: What you need to know about Prop. 40
   4. en.wikipedia.org — 40 (music producer) - Wikipedia
   5. www.rd.com — 11 Facts About the Number 40 You Never Knew - Reader's Digest
   confidence 100%
9. 42d ago

   Italy Approves Nuclear Return 40 Years After Chernobyl

   Italy is returning to nuclear energy after nearly four decades following a Senate vote approving a new legislative framework. The upper house passed the measure 81-51 with seven abstentions, granting the government 12 months to draft implementing regulations. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni informed parliament that the strategy targets energy security and climate goals through next-generation small modular reactors. Italy previously abandoned the energy source via a referendum held in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster.

   Why it matters

   The legislation ends a 40-year prohibition on nuclear power generation in Italy. Prime Minister Meloni's administration aims to reshape the national energy mix using modern small modular reactor technologies. The approved framework directs executive officials to draft specific rules within a 12-month window.

   What is confirmed

   • The Italian Senate approved legislation to restart nuclear power by a vote of 81-51 with seven abstentions.
   • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the government plans to pursue a return to nuclear technology using next-generation small modular reactors.
   • Italy abandoned nuclear energy following a referendum held after the Chernobyl disaster nearly 40 years ago.
   • The law provides the government with a 12-month period to write the implementation rules for the new generation of plants.

   What to watch next

   • Drafting and release of implementing decrees by the government within the 12-month timeframe
   • Further parliamentary actions regarding small modular reactor deployment
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. ng.headtopics.com — 40 years after Chernobyl, Italy greenlights a return to ...
   2. cde.news — Nuclear energy set for comeback in Italy under new government ...
   3. energynews.pro — Italy's Senate Approves the Country's Return to Nuclear Power
   4. brusselssignal.eu — Italy returns to nuclear power after almost four decades
   confidence 100%
10. 43d ago

    Italy greenlights return to nuclear energy 40 years after Chernobyl

    Italy's Senate has approved legislation to restart nuclear power, ending a 40-year ban. The bill, passed 81-51 with seven abstentions, establishes a framework for next-generation nuclear technologies and allows the government to draft implementing decrees within 12 months. This move aims to bolster energy security and meet climate goals, according to Premier Giorgia Meloni.

    Why it matters

    Italy's decision comes nearly four decades after the Chernobyl disaster led to the country's abandonment of atomic energy. The new legislation paves the way for potential construction of new reactors, though this is still years away. Italy was once a nuclear pioneer, operating four reactors before a 1987 referendum effectively ended the program.

    What is confirmed

    • Italy's Senate approved the legislation 81-51 with seven abstentions.
    • The bill establishes a legal framework for next-generation nuclear technologies.
    • The construction of possible new reactors is still many years away.
    • Italy operated four reactors before a 1987 referendum effectively ended the program.

    What to watch next

    • Implementation decrees on reactor licensing, safety standards, waste management, and site criteria within the next 12 months
    • Potential construction of new nuclear reactors
    • Interest from industry players like Terra Innovatum in the Italian market
    Sources used for this update (9)

    1. legalinsurrection.com — Energy Groups Urge Gov. Hochul to Restart Indian Point During ‘Climate Week NYC’
    2. www.latimes.com — 40 years after Chernobyl, Italy greenlights a return to nuclear energy
    3. www.courthousenews.com — 40 years after Chernobyl, Italy greenlights a return to nuclear energy | Courthouse News Service
    4. www.aol.com — 40 years after Chernobyl, Italy greenlights a return to nuclear energy - AOL
    5. www.kob.com — 40 years after Chernobyl, Italy greenlights a return to nuclear energy - KOB 4
    6. www.breitbart.com — 40 years after Chernobyl, Italy greenlights a return to nuclear energy - Breitbart
    7. www.courthousenews.com — Nigeria signs $800 million offshore gas project with TotalEnergies | Courthouse News Service
    8. www.audacy.com — FBI investigates apparent breach of its jobs website. Hackers claim to have sensitive employee data - Aud....
    9. www.eurasiareview.com — Italy’s Senate Approves A Return To Nuclear Power
    confidence 100%
11. 45d ago

    Italy Approves Return to Nuclear Energy After Four-Decade Ban

    The Italian parliament and Senate have approved a plan to restart nuclear power, ending a ban that lasted roughly 40 years. This legislative move supports a proposal by Prime Minister Meloni to revive the country's nuclear energy capabilities. The decision clears the path for a new nuclear energy framework, prompting interest from industry players like Terra Innovatum, which is now eyeing the Italian market.

    Why it matters

    Italy previously moved away from nuclear energy following the Chernobyl disaster. The return to atomic power marks a shift in national energy policy to diversify power sources.

    What is confirmed

    • The Italian parliament and Senate approved a return to nuclear power.
    • Italy had a ban on nuclear power for approximately 40 years.
    • The plan to restart nuclear power is backed by Meloni.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Terra Innovatum is eyeing the Italian market following the new framework.

    What to watch next

    • Implementation details of the nuclear energy bill
    • Specific timelines for plant construction or restarts
    • Official selection of energy partners or vendors
    Sources used for this update (9)

    1. AP News — 40 years after Chernobyl, Italy greenlights a return to nuclear energy
    2. Bloomberg.com — Italy Approves Return of Nuclear Power After Four-Decade Ban
    3. Reuters — Italian parliament backs Meloni's plan to restart nuclear power
    4. Financial Times — Italy clears path for nuclear power revival
    5. Dayton Daily News — Italy Nuclear Energy Bill
    6. Yahoo Finance — Terra Innovatum Welcomes Italy’s Historic Return to Nuclear Energy
    7. citybiz — Terra Innovatum Eyes Italian Market Following New Nuclear Energy Framework
    8. Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com — Italy Returns to Nuclear After 40-Year Hiatus
    9. World Nuclear News — Italy's Senate approves a return to nuclear power
    confidence 100%