Italian government begins discussions on clean nuclear power - EURACTIV
Italian government begins discussions on clean nuclear power - EURACTIV.com
By Federica Pascale | EURACTIV.it Est. 3min 22-09-2023 Content-Type: News News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The government has ruled out the use of large third-generation nuclear power plants but looks at new, safe innovative nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and fourth-generation nuclear reactors (AMRs). [Shutterstock/THINK A] EURACTIV is part of the Trust Project >>> Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram The Italian government has launched the National Platform for Sustainable Nuclear Power, which will lead within nine months to developing guidelines for possibly reintroducing nuclear power among national energy sources. Thursday saw the first meeting of the National Platform for a Sustainable Nuclear, which the government set up. Italian government to define within a certain time frame a path aimed at the possible resumption of the use of nuclear energy in Italy and the opportunities for growth of the national industrial chain already operating in the sector. As already anticipated in the electoral programme of the centre-right government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with parties Fratelli d’Italia (ECR), Lega (ID), Forza Italia (EPP), Italy will consider reinstating nuclear power among the national energy sources. “We aim to eliminate coal first, then oil, and conserve gas until renewables are developed enough to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050. But in the long run, the continued demand for energy will be such that we will have to provide for the use of sources that ensure, as opposed to renewables, continuity in energy delivery. Just like nuclear power”, said Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin. The government has ruled out the use of large third-generation nuclear power plants but looks at new, safe innovative nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and fourth-generation nuclear reactors (AMRs). It is planned to develop guidelines within nine months. The meeting chaired by Fratin was attended by leading public research organisations, representatives from the world of universities, scientific associations, public entities operating in the field of nuclear safety and decommissioning, and companies that already have investment programs in the nuclear sector in the production of components and plants and in medical applications in the nuclear sector. Italy, as stated in an official note from the ministry, is focusing on the wide deployment of renewables and energy efficiency to ensure decarbonisation and energy security, including through diversification of sources and integration of the different technological solutions available, including nuclear fusion and fission. “Italy cannot waste time: the goal of returning to clean and safe energy production through nuclear power, starting in the next few years, must be clear”, said Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini (Lega/ID). Criticism came from left-wing environmentalist parties such as Europa Verde, who protested in front of the Environment and Energy Security Ministry headquarters with a banner reading: “Nuclear proven, disaster assured”. “Minister Fratin seems to have forgotten a fundamental lesson: nuclear energy is an economic and environmental dead end. We are talking about an energy that requires massive public investment”, pointed out Green and Left Alliance MP Angelo Bonelli. (Federica Pascale | Euractiv.it) Read more with EURACTIV Danish parliament allows Greenlandic Faroese without interpretation Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Topics Politics The Capitals
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: nuclear
Nuclear energy provides almost 20 percent of the U.S. electricity supply. Advocates have called for an expanded role for nuclear as an emissions-free fuel source. But the economics of building new reactors are daunting. In addition, lingering safety concerns are an institutionalized part of the calculation of nuclear regulation, and highly radioactive nuclear waste remains a can that public officials have been inclined to kick down the road. The Energy Information Administration projects a sharp decline in nuclear power generation over the next decade, as new nuclear plants — two are planned — are more than offset by anticipated retirements of several operating reactors.