Multi-Approach Comparative Analysis of Nuclear Power Implementation in Italy

Abstract

The increasing frequency of extreme natural events fostered by climate change, political instabilities affecting the major suppliers of fossil resources and the rise and overall fluctuations of energy prices in industrialized economies worldwide are only some of the factors driving our interest in the potential effects that nuclear power exploitation might have on a country’s socioeconomic variables. With a focus on the Italian scenario, the research questions underlying this study are: what might be the socioeconomic
consequences of a reintroduction of nuclear power in Italy? Could this resource help sustain national economic growth while, at the same time, lowering energy prices and reducing the emission levels of heat-trapping gases? If so, how and at what cost? Through a comparative analysis based on current academic literature related to the Italian context, neighboring countries and other comparable scenarios, we conclude in favor of the potential benefits that might stem from reintroducing nuclear power in Italy. Indeed, despite the increasing costs, time delays and risks that often accompany today’s nuclear power plants projects, their construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning, we have come to the conclusion that exploiting nuclear power can have great benefits on the Italian economy and society as a whole, in terms of electricity prices, job creation, regional disparities and emission levels. However, we also believe that the implementation of nuclear power should not act as a substitute to the exploitation of other green and renewable energy sources and ignore the crucial role that these technologies might play in reaching low carbon and efficient economies. Finally, in fact, we support the idea that diversification should be a key element to keep in mind when trying to shape the Italian energy mix in such a way as to aim for a sustainable and resilient economic growth in the long run.