Italy’s Senate approves legislation clearing path back to nuclear power

Italy’s Senate has approved legislation paving the way for the country to return to nuclear power, according to the South China Morning Post. The measure passed the upper house by 81 votes to 51, with seven senators abstaining. The report describes the vote as final approval of the legislation.

Italy abandoned atomic energy nearly four decades ago after the Chernobyl disaster prompted the country to end its nuclear-power programme. The new measure marks a major step in Premier Giorgia Meloni’s effort to strengthen energy security and pursue climate goals. The legislation does not mean that new reactors will be built immediately.

The source says construction of possible reactors is still years away, leaving further steps before any new nuclear facility could operate. The bill had earlier passed the lower Chamber, according to the supplied material. The report does not provide details of the proposed reactor sites, capacity, construction timetable or financing.

The Senate vote nevertheless creates a legislative route for a return to nuclear power. Its supporters link that prospect to both energy security and climate objectives, while the timing of any practical return remains uncertain.