Italy’s Senate has approved legislation that could lead to the country’s return to nuclear energy after nearly 40 years of absence. The bill passed with 81 votes in favor, 51 against, and seven abstentions, marking a key step in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s strategy to enhance energy security and meet climate targets. While the legislation does not immediately authorize the construction of new reactors, it sets the legal groundwork for the development of next-generation nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), which are seen as safer and more flexible than traditional large reactors. Over the next 12 months, the government will draft rules covering reactor licensing, safety, waste management, and site selection. Italy had previously abandoned nuclear energy after a 1987 referendum, which followed the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. The country has since relied heavily on imported energy, becoming one of Europe’s largest consumers of electricity generated by nuclear plants in neighboring countries. Meloni’s government argues that rising electricity demand, climate goals, and the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine justify a reconsideration of nuclear power. The focus is on SMRs, which are smaller, potentially less costly, and quicker to build compared to traditional reactors. However, no reactors will be constructed immediately, as the legislation only creates the regulatory framework needed for future projects. Public opinion on nuclear energy has shifted in recent years, with a 2026 survey by research firm Only Numbers finding that about 55% of Italians support next-generation nuclear plants. Younger generations, who have no direct memory of the Chernobyl disaster, show the strongest support. However, challenges remain. Italy still lacks a permanent repository for radioactive waste from its previous nuclear program, which is currently stored in temporary facilities. Future projects may face opposition from local communities, and experts have raised concerns about the high costs of nuclear infrastructure and the lack of proven SMR technology at scale in Europe. Energy analysts have questioned the economic viability of nuclear power, pointing to high construction costs and limited private-sector interest in SMRs, which are still unproven at a commercial level. A single 300-megawatt SMR could cost between 3 billion and 6 billion euros, not including additional infrastructure. Michele Governatori, an energy adviser at the ECCO think tank, said while the regulatory framework is a positive step, it may also highlight the lack of private investment in new nuclear projects. He suggested Italy should prioritize existing solutions to reduce energy costs and fossil fuel dependence, such as electrification, renewable energy, and grid improvements. Environmental groups and opposition parties are also expected to resist the government’s nuclear plans, potentially challenging future reactor and waste-storage projects once specific sites are proposed.