Finance
Italy Should Rethink Nuclear Power, Iea Chief Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 17, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 17, 2026
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The IEA head urges Italy to revisit its nuclear power ban to bolster energy security, citing Italy’s heavy import reliance, intermittent renewable output and rising electricity prices compared to nuclear‑powered France.
IEA Chief: Italy Should Reconsider Nuclear Power for Energy Security and Stability
Italy's Nuclear Energy Debate and Energy Security
Current Energy Landscape in Italy
MILAN, April 17 (Reuters) - Italy should reconsider its rejection of nuclear energy as it seeks greater energy security and economic stability, the head of the International Energy Agency said in an interview published on Friday.
Italy has no operating nuclear reactors and relies heavily on energy imports, including electricity generated by nuclear power in neighbouring countries such as France.
Historical Context and Policy Shifts
Referendums and Legislative Barriers
Nuclear-fired power plants are prohibited in Italy following referendums in 1987 and 2011 but the government has been drafting rules to lift the ban through the use of new nuclear-power technologies.
IEA Perspective on Nuclear Power
Asked whether the debate in Italy over a possible return to nuclear power was the right choice, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol told Italian daily La Stampa: "I know that Italy rejected nuclear power in two referendums. But already two years ago, in Rome, I said that, if I were (Italy's) government, I would reconsider that choice and look more closely at nuclear energy".
Birol said Italy did not have abundant energy resources and that although it was doing very well on renewables it also needed "stable and continuous production."
"For economic prosperity, energy security and national sovereignty, Rome should evaluate nuclear power carefully, both in its traditional form and with new modular reactors," he said.
Government Actions and Public Opinion
Legal Framework for Nuclear Energy
The Italian government has drafted a new legal framework for nuclear energy which is expected to be approved by parliament in the coming months, but the subject is still controversial for the majority of the population.
Global Context and Alternatives
Energy Security Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Since the start of the Iran war, policymakers around the globe have been increasingly looking at ways to reduce long-term dependence on oil and gas imports, including by expanding nuclear energy.
Concerns from Anti-Nuclear Campaigners
Anti-nuclear campaigners cite safety concerns, high upfront capital construction costs and long construction times.
(Reporting by Francesca Landini in Milan, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Key Takeaways
- •Italy imports a significant share of its electricity, much of it nuclear‑generated from France, highlighting vulnerability in energy security (e.g. ~45 TWh in 2024)
- •Renewables have grown but remain intermittent; Italy aims for 11–20 % nuclear contribution by 2050 to complement green energy
- •Electricity prices in Italy are among EU’s highest due to import dependence and fossil fuel reliance
Frequently Asked Questions about Italy should rethink nuclear power, IEA chief says
1Why is the IEA chief urging Italy to reconsider nuclear power?
The IEA chief believes Italy should rethink its nuclear ban to improve energy security and economic stability, given its reliance on imported energy.
2Does Italy currently have operating nuclear reactors?
No, Italy currently has no operating nuclear reactors and imports electricity, including nuclear-generated power, from neighboring countries.
3What is the status of nuclear power regulations in Italy?
Italy has prohibited nuclear power since referendums in 1987 and 2011, but the government is drafting new rules to potentially lift the ban.
4What are some concerns about nuclear power in Italy?
Anti-nuclear campaigners raise safety concerns, high upfront construction costs, and lengthy building times as issues.
5How does nuclear power relate to Italy's economic and energy needs?
The IEA chief states nuclear power could help achieve stable energy production, boost economic prosperity, and enhance national sovereignty.
