Italy's Parliament Approves Meloni's Nuclear Energy Initiative

WHO:

ABC News - Premier Giorgia Meloni is leading the initiative to restart nuclear power in Italy.

ABC News - Italy’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies are involved in the legislative process.

WHAT:

ABC News - Italy’s Senate approved legislation to pave the way for a return to nuclear power with a vote of 81-51 and seven abstentions.

ABC News - The legislation establishes a legal framework for next-generation nuclear technologies.

ABC News - The government is authorized to draft implementing decrees over the next 12 months covering reactor licensing, safety standards, waste management, and criteria for future sites.

ABC News - The legislation does not authorize the construction of any reactors.

WHERE:

ABC News - The legislative approval took place in Italy’s Senate.

WHEN:

ABC News - The Senate vote occurred on a Wednesday, with the specific date not provided.

WHY:

ABC News - The government argues that rising electricity demand, climate targets, and energy security concerns due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine justify the return of nuclear energy.

ABC News - Public attitudes in Italy have shifted, with a June 2026 survey indicating that about 55% of Italians support next-generation nuclear plants.

HOW:

ABC News - The government is focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced technologies that are considered safer, more flexible, and quicker to build.

ABC News - The legislation creates a regulatory foundation needed before future nuclear projects can be proposed, assessed, and approved.

(UPDATED September 24, 2026 02:11 UTC)

Italy's Senate has approved legislation to restart nuclear power, voting 81 to 51 with seven abstentions, as part of an initiative led by Premier Giorgia Meloni. The new law establishes a legal framework for next-generation nuclear technologies and allows the government to draft implementing decrees over the next 12 months, covering various aspects such as reactor licensing and safety standards, though it does not authorize the construction of any reactors. This move comes in response to rising electricity demand and shifting public attitudes, with a recent survey showing that about 55% of Italians now support the development of next-generation nuclear plants.