Meloni Government Wins Key Vote on Italy’s Return to Nuclear Energy

Italy’s lower house of parliament on Thursday approved legislation that would pave the way for the country’s return to nuclear power, marking a significant step in the government’s energy strategy.

The bill, presented by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, passed with 155 votes in favor, 86 against and eight abstentions.

Italy abandoned nuclear energy after a referendum held in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. The current government plans to reintroduce atomic energy through the use of small, latest-generation reactors as part of efforts to reduce dependence on energy imports and lower greenhouse gas emissions amid the climate crisis.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where the government expects final approval before parliament’s summer recess at the end of July.

If approved, the government expects to issue the necessary implementing decrees by the end of the year.