After almost 40 years, the debate on nuclear in Italy is making its way again: global production is set to grow, while maintaining its weight in the energy mix stable. Our country can play a key role thanks to solid industrial and research skills, focusing on innovative technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMR). To make this a reality, a clear regulatory framework, incentives to attract investments and strengthen the European cooperationThis is what emerges from the new brief of the Sectoral Strategies and Impact Directorate CDP, entitled “The nuclear debate in Italy: state of the art and prospects”, which analyses global developments and opportunities related to new generation nuclear energy.
Next-generation nuclear: an opportunity for Italy
In the 80s, theItaly has chosen to abandon nuclear power following the referendum of 1987, a wave of consensus that took hold after the Chernobyl tragedy. Since then, however, the global scenario has changed radically. If in 2023 there were 410 nuclear reactors operating worldwide, with a total capacity of 371 GW, nuclear energy generation is set to grow significantly in the coming years. According to estimates by theInternational Energy Agency (IEA), in 2030 the nuclear production will reach almost 4.000 TWh, reaching around 5.500 TWh in 2050. However, despite this growth, the nuclear share of total global electricity demand is expected to remain stable in the coming decades, even decreasing to 7,7% by 2050, due to the increase in energy demand.
In this context of strong evolution, the reflection on nuclear energy in Italy is part of a phase of political and industrial strengthening. Italy, in fact, has consolidated skills along the entire nuclear energy chain, with approximately 70 specialized companies and cutting-edge research that gives it a significant role at an international level. The central issue, however, remains the technological one. Italy can focus on new generation nuclear power plants, like i Small Modular Reactor (SMR), small-scale reactors that could be operational as early as the next decade. These plants offer advantages not only in terms of safety and sustainability, but also for their ability to integrate into industrial contexts and in the production of green hydrogen, thus responding to multiple needs.
The challenges and uncertainties of nuclear power in Italy
However, despite the potential, the investment costs and technological variability remain obstacles to overcome. Added to these are regulatory uncertainties and the need to gain public acceptance, a key element in the realization of any nuclear project.
To make nuclear an effective component of the Italian energy mix in the short term, a strategic intervention is needed. The key could be found in the adoption of a regulatory framework favorable, which by incentivizing investments in existing industrial capacities, could facilitate the reconversion to nuclear power. No less important are the funding and European collaborations, which, thanks also to the new European Union rules on State aid, could concretely support the development of the sector.
