On 9 February 2010, the Italian government signed a decree defining criteria and procedures for the construction of nuclear power plants (NPP) in the country by 2020. Construction works are scheduled to start in 2013. The decision follows on from the adoption by the Italian Senate on 10 July 2009 of a bill bringing to an end a ban on the use of nuclear energy that had been in place since 1987.

The decree draws a list of the characteristics of suitable sites for NPPs and waste repositories. It also defines procedures for construction and operation of plants and a system of financial compensation for areas that agree to host nuclear stations. However it will be up to companies to identify the location of new plants. Local inhabitants and authorities will be involved in the decision-making process.

The fleet of new nuclear power plants will help Italy ensure a more secure and reliable energy supply while reducing its dependence upon imports (it is currently the world’s largest importer of energy with 86% dependency), make it better equipped to meet its climate change obligations thanks to nuclear energy’s non-CO2 emitting profile and enable it to generate electricity at a more competitive price for Italian consumers (Italy has the third highest household electricity prices in the EU, after the Netherlands and Denmark).

This historic decision shows that the nuclear revival across Europe continues to gather momentum and that more and more countries now recognise that the arguments in favour of nuclear energy are irresistible. Other countries are considering a similar political path in Europe.

For further information, please read the press release of the Italian ministry for economic development (in Italian).