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Spain Set to Reduce Dependence on Nuclear as Italy Mulls Constructing New Reactors10 Jan 08The debate over nuclear energy use in Europe continues to broaden, with Spain's Prime Minister vowing to cut back the country's use of nuclear power, just as a group of Italian firms initiate a feasibility study into reintroducing nuclear generation.
A Return to Nuclear in Italy? Italian energy utilities A2A and Edison have joined forces with think tank Energy Lab to launch a feasibility study into the construction of three-to-four new nuclear power stations in the country. The study represents one of the first formal considerations of reintroducing nuclear energy in Italy since such generation was banned in 1987 following a public referendum in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. The move follows growing calls in Italy for the country to join the so-called global nuclear renaissance as oil price rises and concerns over climate change put increasing pressure on traditional fuels. Certainly, Italy is no exception to these growing pressures—its lack of energy resources have resulted in a heavy reliance on imported fuel, making the country particularly vulnerable to international fuel-price rises. A reliance on imported electricity to meet up to 20% of demand has further exacerbated energy- security concerns, compelling the country to seek to diversify its energy supplies. In such a context, a reconsideration of nuclear energy was perhaps inevitable. Nevertheless, ongoing public opposition to nuclear is sure to make the launch of the study a controversial move. Italy's government, however, looks likely to take some convincing. While acknowledging that it is keen to encourage scientific research into nuclear technologies, the government has said it remains opposed to the reintroduction of nuclear for the time being, believing the country's focus should instead be on development renewable energy resources. Still, Economic Development Minister Pierluigi Bersani has said he will be happy to receive and view the report that is produced by the group, suggesting the door is not firmly shut on a reconsideration of its current stance. Spanish PM Taps into Anti-Nuclear Sentiment Meanwhile, Zapatero has expressed his desire to set Spain on a course away from greater nuclear dependency. Speaking at an economic forum in the capital, Madrid, Zapatero said yesterday: "My position is not to increase nuclear energy in our country, but rather to progressively reduce it and to make a collective effort in favour of renewable energy." Indeed, Zapatero has long-expressed his view that the country's use of nuclear energy should be reduced, with this stance forming a key component of his Socialist Party's election campaign in 2004. With fresh elections approaching in March, Zapatero's re-election might therefore signal the beginning of the end for the country's eight functioning nuclear reactors. Outlook and Implications The differing developments in Italy and Spain are a further demonstration of the diverging views among European states on the use of nuclear energy. The launch of the feasibility study in Italy could mark the very first stage of what would be a long process to reintroduce nuclear generated power. As well as assessing the technical feasibility of such a move, the study will be likely to trigger further debate on the acceptability of nuclear energy use in Italy. Such views will no doubt prove just as pivotal as any practical constraints in deciding whether the nuclear path is ultimately pursued. |
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