The World's First 'Nuclear Phase-Out' Italy Sparks Debate Over Restarting Nuclear Power Plants

Minister of Environment Han Jeong-ae attended the G20 Environment Ministers' Meeting held at the Royal Palace in Naples, Italy, on July 22 (local time) and greeted Roberto Cingolani, Minister of Ecological Transition of Italy.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In Italy, the world's first 'nuclear phase-out' country, the debate over restarting nuclear power plants is intensifying.

Roberto Cingolani, Minister of Ecological Transition, stated on the 1st (local time) at a policy lecture hosted by the centrist party Italia Viva (IV), "Fourth-generation nuclear power technology that can operate without enriched uranium and heavy water (used in nuclear reactions) is emerging," adding, "Some countries are investing in technology development, and it is approaching a mature stage."

He continued, "At some point in the future, if small amounts of radioactive waste, high safety, and low costs are verified, it would be strange not to consider this technology," and added, "Let's not ideologize this technology for our descendants. Focus on the facts, and when it becomes possible, make decisions accordingly."

Italy decided on a 'nuclear phase-out' through a referendum in 1987 after anti-nuclear sentiment grew following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine. The four nuclear power plants operating at the time were immediately shut down, and dismantling work is currently underway. Italy is mentioned as the world's first nuclear phase-out country.

Since then, the issue of restarting nuclear power plants has not been prominent in Italian politics, but recently, as the minister of the relevant department mentioned policy changes based on fourth-generation nuclear power, the debate seems to be reigniting. The opposition party with the most seats in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, the Five Star Movement (M5S), is demanding the immediate dismissal of Cingolani.

Luigi Di Maio, Minister of Foreign Affairs and a member of the Five Star Movement, emphasized, "So far, there have been no new proposals related to nuclear power within the government," and added, "If such a thing happens, I will definitely stop it." On the other hand, Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right party Lega and a senator, agreed with Minister Cingolani's remarks, saying, "Nothing is as clean and safe as nuclear energy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.