Italy reconsiders nuclear energy 35 years after shutting down last reactor
Italy is considering reintroducing nuclear energy after 35 years. Prime Minister plans for small modular reactors to provide 11% of electricity by 2050, aiming to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Concerns persist over safety and waste management. Eni collaborates with MIT on nuclear fusion technology by 2030. Public opinion on nuclear power in Italy is divided.
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Italy is reconsidering nuclear energy 35 years after shutting down its last reactor. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plans to revive the country's nuclear industry, aiming for small modular reactors to contribute at least 11% of Italy's electricity mix by 2050. This shift is part of Italy's strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Despite global interest in nuclear power as a cleaner energy source, concerns persist regarding waste storage, safety, and renewability. The decision to reintroduce nuclear energy in Italy comes amidst energy security worries following Russia's actions in Ukraine. However, the move towards small modular reactors faces skepticism, with critics questioning their cost-effectiveness and energy output compared to potential advancements in nuclear fusion technology. Italy's Eni has partnered with MIT to develop a nuclear fusion plant by 2030, highlighting a potential shift towards more efficient and environmentally friendly energy solutions. Public opinion in Italy remains divided on nuclear power, with historical events like Chernobyl and Fukushima shaping perceptions.
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