Italy faces renewed nuclear debate as IEA urges policy rethink

Summary

• IEA call to action: Fatih Birol has urged Italy to reconsider its long-standing nuclear ban, citing energy security concerns.
• Energy dependence risk: Italy remains heavily reliant on imported gas and electricity, exposing it to global price volatility.
• Policy movement: The government is exploring frameworks for potential nuclear re-entry, including discussions around small modular reactors (SMRs).

MILAN, April 17, 2026 — Italy is once again confronting a sensitive question at the heart of its energy policy: whether to return to nuclear power. Speaking amid ongoing global energy uncertainty, Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency has called on Rome to reassess its decades-old nuclear prohibition.

A history shaped by referendums

Italy abandoned nuclear energy following a 1987 referendum in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, a stance reaffirmed after the Fukushima disaster. Since then, the country has relied on imports and alternative energy sources to meet demand.

Birol highlighted a structural contradiction: Italy imports a significant share of its electricity, much of it generated by nuclear plants in neighboring countries. This reliance, he argued, raises concerns about long-term energy sovereignty and price stability.

The shift toward smaller reactors

Current policy discussions are not centered on traditional large-scale plants, but on small modular reactors (SMRs). These next-generation systems are designed to be safer, more flexible, and faster to deploy than conventional reactors.

Italy’s energy authorities have begun evaluating regulatory frameworks that could enable future nuclear deployment if political approval is secured. However, no final legislative decision has been taken.

Balancing security and public sentiment

The debate comes at a time when Europe is reassessing energy resilience following supply disruptions and price shocks. Italy’s dependence on imported gas—especially during periods of geopolitical instability—has intensified calls for a more diversified energy mix.

At the same time, nuclear power remains politically sensitive. Public opinion, shaped by past referendums, continues to pose a significant barrier to any rapid policy shift.

Why this matters

• Energy security: Reducing reliance on imports could shield Italy from external supply shocks and price spikes.
• Industrial competitiveness: Stable, lower-cost electricity is critical for Italy’s manufacturing sector.
• Long-term transition: Nuclear could complement renewables by providing consistent baseload power.

FAQs

Q1. Is Italy planning to restart nuclear power soon?

No immediate restart has been approved. Discussions are ongoing, and any major shift would require political and regulatory backing.

Q2. Why is nuclear being reconsidered now?

Rising energy costs, supply risks, and Europe’s broader energy transition have revived the debate.

Q3. What are SMRs and why are they important?

Small modular reactors are compact nuclear units that can be built faster and more safely, making them more adaptable for modern energy systems.