Italy today moved a step closer to reinstating nuclear energy, abandoned more than 20 years ago, after the government gave final approval to a decree setting out steps for the construction of new units.
The decree will pave the way for starting work on new plants in 2013 and production of the first nuclear power in 2020, economic development minister Claudio Scajola said in a statement.
The statement said nuclear energy would give better security of energy supply, less dependence on imports and prices aligned to European ones.
Mr Scajola said “the process is characterised by two aspects: transparency, and absolute respect for the safety of people and the environment”.
The statement said that by approving the decree the government has “defined a framework of reference” for companies intending to build new nuclear power plants. Once Italy sets up a nuclear safety agency and outlines its strategy, operators will be able to propose sites for new plants and present their projects for authorisation, the statement said.
The decree sets general criteria to pick sites for nuclear plants and fuel and waste deposits, procedures for construction and operation of plants and a system of financial compensation for areas that agree to host nuclear stations.
In August 2009, Italy’s Enel group and Electricité de France formed a joint venture company called Sviluppo Nucleare Italia aimed at evaluating the possible construction of a number of European pressurised water reactor (EPR) units in Italy.
Italy’s nuclear programme was scrapped 20 years ago following a referendum in 1987. However, in July 2009 Italy’s upper house of parliament, the Senate, approved a package of legislation that gave the green light for a return to the use of nuclear energy. The Senate vote followed earlier approval of the legislative package by the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies.
Italy relies heavily on imports of electricity as well as fossil fuel. The country’s one-unit Garigliano and Latina nuclear power plants were shut down in 1982 and 1987 respectively. Its remaining two units – at the Caorso and Trino nuclear plants – were closed in 1990 following the referendum.
