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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Earth.Org or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Italy is moving to relaunch its nuclear energy program, with Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin submitting a draft bill to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
• The proposal, which includes plans for an oversight agency, will be discussed by the Council of Ministers and Parliament
• The government is considering both large reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as part of its energy strategy
🔭 The context: Italy abandoned nuclear power after two referendums (1987, 2011) but faces challenges in decarbonizing due to its reliance on natural gas
• The EU is promoting SMRs for their faster construction and scalability, making them a viable option for Italy
• Public skepticism and regulatory fragmentation in the EU remain major hurdles
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Nuclear energy could reduce Italy’s dependence on fossil fuels and lower emissions, similar to France, where 70% of electricity is nuclear-powered
• Italy's mountainous geography limits the potential for wind and solar, making nuclear a strategic alternative
• The country could also leverage its industrial expertise to become a key player in Europe's nuclear supply chain
⏭️ What's next: The bill's approval process will take time, with decrees expected within 24 months, potentially delaying implementation until after the 2027 elections
• Italy must also convince the public of nuclear’s benefits and navigate EU regulatory challenges
• The success of this initiative could shape Europe's SMR market, which is estimated to be worth $400-600 billion globally
💬 One quote: "Italy already exports reactor components and plays a major role in international nuclear projects." — Earth.Org
📈 One stat: Germany’s coal consumption in 2023 accounted for one-third of the EU’s total, highlighting the challenges of relying solely on renewables
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