Italy’s Industry Minister, Adolfo Urso, has announced that the country is poised to re-enter the nuclear energy sector by initiating a new project to construct reactors in partnership with an undisclosed foreign company.

This declaration marks a significant shift in Italy’s energy landscape, particularly considering that the nuclear sector has been non-existent from a formal standpoint for several decades. Italy’s nuclear energy program was effectively dismantled in the 1990s following a national referendum that prohibited the development of nuclear power plants, halting all related projects.

Before this, Italy’s nuclear industry was recognized as one of the most advanced in Europe. Between 1958 and 1970, the country constructed four nuclear power plants and established fuel fabrication facilities that supplied reactors in France and Switzerland.

However, from 1987 to 1990, nuclear operations were gradually shut down, and the facilities were decommissioned. The Fukushima disaster in 2011 further solidified the decision to abandon nuclear energy in Italy.

Currently, Italy faces significant energy challenges, as it imports approximately 15% of its energy needs, all of which is derived from nuclear power abroad. Additionally, around 65% of Italy’s domestic energy production is carbon-based, requiring the import of nearly 90% of the necessary fuel.

In light of these challenges, Italy is now considering a return to nuclear power to stabilize its energy balance. Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin has indicated that the government is prepared to pass legislation supporting the revival of nuclear energy in the country.