Tengrinews.kz - Italy abandoned nuclear power over 30 years ago. However, the country's authorities have now announced their intention to return to nuclear energy, according to Euronews.
The government of Giorgia Meloni aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Recently, Italian Minister of the Environment announced plans to amend legislation to allow investment in small modular reactors.
"The inquiry is still ongoing. There hasn't been a clear or decisive indication on the matter yet," Riccardo Zucconi, a member of the Italian parliament, said.
The demand for electricity is increasing, and renewable sources do not fully meet the country's needs. New nuclear facilities could satisfy up to 11% of national demand by 2050. Independent experts believe that the optimal solution for energy system stability is a combination of nuclear power plants and renewable sources, which would be beneficial for the economy.
"Nuclear energy and renewables are not opposed to each other, the complement each other. Integrating the two can accelerate the use of clean technologies and enhance decarbonization," Lorenzo Tavazzi of TEHA Group stated.
However, some environmental organizations oppose the use of nuclear energy for decarbonization. Public opinion in Italy about nuclear power plants is also mixed, as surveys have shown.
Earlier, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree to hold a referendum on October 6 regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.
