Proposed new-generation nuclear reactor in Liguria

A recent dialogue between the Italian Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and the President of the Region of Liguria, Marco Bucci, focused on the potential construction of a new generation nuclear reactor in Liguria. The hypothesis proposed by Urso pertains to the development of advanced third-generation and fourth-generation nuclear power, namely small-scale nuclear power, constructed on an industrial scale, adaptable and modular, and readily transportable. This is to be characterised by clean technology, to provide energy at a reduced and consistent cost, thereby ensuring the energy autonomy of Italy and the EU, as declared by the Minister. The selection of the Ligurian region as the host area for the nuclear initiative is attributed to the involvement of prominent publicly-owned corporations that possess technologies and capabilities in this sector, particularly in light of the anticipated approval by the Italian government of the nuclear bill. This announcement elicited a response from members of opposition political parties, who invoked the Italian population’s historical stance against the construction of nuclear power plants, as evidenced by the outcomes of the referendums held in 1987 and 2011, as reported by media outlets.