Nuclear Energy in Italy: Delegated Law Approved, First Reactors Hypothetized Between 2034 and 2035

The Chamber of Deputies has approved in the first reading the draft delegated law on sustainable nuclear energy, marking a new step in the process through which the Government intends to reintroduce nuclear energy into the national energy mix. The measure was approved with 155 votes in favor, 86 against, and 8 abstentions and now moves to the Senate, where the executive aims to complete the procedure by the summer break.

The declared objective is to establish a regulatory framework that allows Italy to concretely evaluate the adoption of new generation nuclear technologies, which are considered complementary to renewable sources in the path of decarbonization and strengthening of national energy security.

Unlike the power plants that characterized the previous Italian nuclear experience, the draft law focuses on emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMR), Fourth Generation Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR), and microreactors. According to the Government, these solutions would offer higher levels of safety, greater operational flexibility, and shorter realization times compared to conventional plants.

The delegated law gives the executive a period of twelve months to prepare the implementing decrees that will regulate numerous aspects of the sector: from the production of sustainable nuclear energy to the manufacturing and reprocessing of fuel, as well as the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel.

The regulatory framework also includes research on nuclear fusion, hydrogen production through nuclear energy, and the reorganization of the governance of the involved entities. Among the proposed measures is a program dedicated to the deactivation of existing nuclear facilities in the national territory, with the possibility of evaluating potential reconversions. In parallel, the Government will need to define procedures for the testing and construction of new plants, as well as promote the training of technicians, engineers, and researchers necessary for the development of the future supply chain.

Another element introduced by the text relates to the possibility for municipalities to self-nominate to host new nuclear plants. The implementing decrees will also need to establish compensation mechanisms for the involved territories and simplified authorization procedures, while maintaining high safety and health protection standards.

According to the Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, nuclear energy could contribute in the future to a share between 11% and 22% of the national electricity demand, without replacing renewable sources but integrating them along with other technologies like hydrogen. The same minister indicated a potential timeline between 2034 and 2035 for the commissioning of the first operational reactors in Italian territory. The executive's goal is to complete the necessary regulatory framework by the end of the year to allow for more concrete industrial and technological evaluations.

In justifying this choice, the Government emphasizes that the growing energy demand related to the expansion of artificial intelligence, data centers, and electrification processes may require stable and programmable production sources, capable of supporting non-programmable renewables. In this perspective, nuclear energy is presented as a tool to strengthen the country's energy autonomy, reduce dependence on imports, and ensure greater supply stability.

However, the debate remains open on the political and industrial level. The final approval of the measure and the subsequent definition of implementing decrees will represent the next key steps to understand whether and how new generation nuclear energy can actually be reintroduced into Italy's energy strategy in the next decade.