Italy is considering a significant shift in its energy policy with the creation of a new company focused on the development of small nuclear reactors, Bloomberg has reported.

The move marks a major shift from the country’s longstanding ban on nuclear power.
Industry Minister Adolfo Urso announced at the Ambrosetti Forum on Lake Como that the government is seeking to establish the new entity through a foreign technological partnership, which would enable the production of advanced nuclear power in Italy shortly.

Preliminary discussions are ongoing with Ansaldo Nucleare, Enel and Newcleo about the potential development of the plan.

Ansaldo Nucleare, a division of Ansaldo Energia, specialises in nuclear plants and related technology. Newcleo is known for developing small units powered by recycled nuclear waste. As a state energy giant, Enel’s involvement would be crucial to any nuclear plan.

Although discussions regarding the international partner are in progress, no final decision has been made.

Ansaldo Nucleare has expressed its aim to contribute to “the production of low-cost, programmable and environmentally friendly energy” in Italy. Enel, Newcleo and well as a spokesperson for the industry ministry have all declined to comment on the matter.

Italy’s current stance on nuclear energy stems from referendums in 1987 and 2011 that led to a ban on its production and use. However, the government is now working on legislative measures to re-introduce nuclear energy using the latest available technologies in the second half of 2024, according to Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin.

The Financial Times reported in July that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government plans to re-introduce nuclear energy as part of efforts to lower Italy’s carbon emissions.

Fratin highlighted the need for nuclear energy to ensure a continuous supply of clean energy and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. He also expressed scepticism towards renewable technologies such as solar and wind power, stating that they “cannot provide the security that we need.”

The government expects nuclear power to account for a minimum of 11% of the country’s total electricity consumption by 2050.