Italy and Ukraine confront nuclear energy choices as supply pressures mount

Italy’s government has revived discussion of nuclear power, citing the National Energy and Climate Plan’s target of 11‑22% contribution by 2050 and a focus on small modular reactors. Sustainability expert Andrea Masullo warned that new plants would be economically unviable, costly (about €11 billion per GW), create long‑term radioactive waste, and keep Italy dependent on imported uranium, arguing the country lacks the necessary fuel‑cycle infrastructure.

In Ukraine, despite the legacy of Chernobyl, nuclear power now supplies roughly 70% of electricity and is being expanded as war‑time damage has crippled coal, hydropower and renewable sources. Officials say modern reactors with adequate containment have proven resilient, even after attacks, and that nuclear remains the only viable option for energy security.

Both countries face heightened scrutiny over the safety, cost and geopolitical implications of expanding nuclear capacity amid broader energy crises.