Italy's Parliament Backs Nuclear Energy Return

The Italian Parliament has passed a law on returning to nuclear energy.

Consensus

The Italian Senate passed a law enabling the country to return to nuclear energy after nearly 40 years.
The law creates a legal framework for future nuclear projects but does not authorize reactor construction.
The government must develop licensing rules, safety standards, waste management procedures, and site selection criteria within 12 months.
81 deputies voted in favor, 51 against, and 7 abstained.
The decision follows two previous referendums in 1987 and 2011 rejecting nuclear energy due to Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters.
The government cites rising energy demand and energy security concerns as justification for the shift.
Minister of Environment and Energy Security Giorgio Pichetto Fratin described the move as a 'historic step forward'.

The law allows for the use of next-generation nuclear technologies. — vm
The law is in line with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's policy to protect the economy from rising energy prices and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. — interfax
Opposition parties have announced plans to challenge future projects once specific sites are proposed. — interfax
Donald Trump approved a deal with Saudi Arabia on nuclear infrastructure development. — vm