Italy Sets Course to Restart Nuclear Power with Small Modular Reactors

On 13 May 2026, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told the Senate that the government will adopt a legal framework this summer to restart nuclear power generation using next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) from developers, to be enacted via an enabling law later in 2026.

Italy Reopens the Atomic File: Meloni Paves the Way for Nuclear Energy Return After Decades of Suspension

Italy ended nuclear power after a 1986 referendum following the Chernobyl disaster, keeping the technology dormant for decades. The new proposal revives the nuclear file, citing low-emission SMRs and the need to diversify energy amid rising European costs.

Italy Reopens the Atomic File: Meloni Paves the Way for Nuclear Energy Return After Decades of Suspension

The drive is led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, head of the coalition. Opposition includes Carlo Calenda (Azione), Stefano Patuanelli (Five Star Movement) and Matteo Renzi (Italia Viva). Private firms developing SMRs remain unnamed.

Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA)

The framework will raise energy autonomy, lower electricity prices and cut reliance on imported gas, as the Iran war raises costs. SMRs are promoted as a safer option. The 1986 referendum was 40 years ago; by March 2026, 76 % of EU-funded NRRP resources had been spent, underscoring the urgency for domestic supply.

Italy Reopens the Atomic File: Meloni Paves the Way for Nuclear Energy Return After Decades of Suspension

Meloni linked the nuclear restart to “a particularly complex international economic framework and ongoing geopolitical tensions” affecting growth, energy costs, business competitiveness and household purchasing power. She urged “less space for controversies and more room for concrete discussion on the major strategic issues concerning Italy,” calling for cooperation.

Italy’s Meloni says government to approve framework for nuclear return this summer

Calenda welcomed the focus but warned limited measures would not solve the broader crisis. Patuanelli argued SMRs could generate more waste and be costlier than renewables. Renzi said the government is unprepared for the crisis linked to Middle-East tensions. Opposition proposed a “control room” for policy. The government claims SMRs will lower costs and waste; opponents say the opposite, and no data on SMR cost-effectiveness or waste management have been released.

Italy’s Meloni says government to approve framework for nuclear return this summer

• “Clearly, the situation we find ourselves in — with a particularly complex international economic framework and ongoing geopolitical tensions — is affecting growth, energy costs, the competitiveness of businesses and the purchasing power of households,” — Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister (Senate)

Italy’s Meloni says government to approve framework for nuclear return this summer

• “In a moment that is not easy, there should be less space for controversies and more room for concrete discussion on the major strategic issues concerning Italy,” — Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister (Senate)

Italy’s Meloni says government to approve framework for nuclear return this summer

• “The government will approve the framework for the resumption of nuclear power in Italy this summer, Premier Giorgia Meloni told parliament Wednesday.” — Giorgia Meloni, Premier (Parliament)

Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA)

The enabling law is slated for summer 2026, after which SMR licensing will start. Parliament will debate details while the government tracks EU fund use and market response as SMR projects move toward construction.

Italy Reopens the Atomic File: Meloni Paves the Way for Nuclear Energy Return After Decades of Suspension