After a 35-year hiatus, Italy is considering the possibility of restarting nuclear energy production, a move that has sparked controversy and debate in the country. In 1987, the last of Italy’s nuclear reactors was shut down in response to a referendum, leaving Italy without a nuclear power plant in operation. However, with concerns over climate change and energy security growing, the Italian government is reevaluating the potential benefits and risks of nuclear energy.

Italy’s nuclear program was once seen as a major contributor to the country’s energy mix, accounting for approximately 7% of the country’s electricity production. However, the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, followed by several accidents at other nuclear plants around the world, led to a shift in public opinion and eventually the shutdown of Italy’s six nuclear reactors.

In recent years, as Italy has struggled to meet its renewable energy targets and reduce its carbon footprint, the need for alternative sources of low-carbon energy has become increasingly pressing. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, have made significant strides in Italy, but they are still not enough to meet the country’s energy demands.

Nuclear energy, however, is seen as a potentially attractive solution to Italy’s energy challenges. Nuclear power plants can operate at a high capacity factor, producing electricity continuously and reliably, unlike renewable energy sources which are intermittent. Additionally, nuclear energy is considered a low-carbon source of energy, emitting no greenhouse gases during operation.

In recent months, the Italian government has launched a study to assess the feasibility of restarting nuclear energy production in the country. The study is examining the potential sites for new nuclear reactors, as well as the development of new safety measures and regulations to address concerns over nuclear waste disposal and plant safety.

However, the debate surrounding nuclear energy is not without its critics. Environmental groups and anti-nuclear activists argue that nuclear energy is not a viable solution to Italy’s energy challenges, highlighting concerns over the risks of nuclear accidents, waste storage, and the high upfront costs of building a new plant.

“Italy has already made significant progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy sources,” said Marco Conti, spokesperson for the Italian Environmental Fund. “We don’t need to go back to nuclear energy, which will only lead to more pollution and waste.”

In response, supporters of nuclear energy argue that the technology has evolved significantly since the 1980s, and that modern nuclear reactors are designed to be safer and more efficient. “Italy has the potential to become a global leader in nuclear energy, creating jobs and reducing its dependence on foreign energy sources,” said Roberto Guidotti, a nuclear engineer and proponent of nuclear energy.

While the debate surrounding Italy’s nuclear energy policy continues, the government is expected to make a decision on the feasibility of restarting nuclear energy production in the coming months. Any decision to restart nuclear energy production would require significant public support and investment, and would likely be subject to strict regulations and safety measures.

As Italy weighs the potential benefits and risks of nuclear energy, it is clear that the country’s energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. With the country’s energy needs growing and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Italy’s decision on nuclear energy will have far-reaching implications for its energy policy and the country’s role in the global energy market.