The "go-stop-go" of Italian civil nuclear programs, beset by lack of strategic planning, exploitation for personal gain and unscrupulous political conspiracies: 1946-1987

TL;DR

This paper examines the rise and fall of Italian civil nuclear programs from 1946 to 1987, highlighting political, strategic, and social factors that influenced their development and termination.

Contribution

It provides a detailed historical analysis of Italy's nuclear initiatives, emphasizing the impact of political conspiracies, strategic missteps, and social movements on nuclear policy.

Findings

Early nuclear ambitions placed Italy third globally in installed power.

Political scandals and international pressures halted nuclear development.

Public opposition and Chernobyl led to the program's end in 1987.

Abstract

The Italian civil nuclear projects had a very early origin, with the first ideas originating as far back as 1945. The construction of the first three plants dated back to the period 1956-1964, and at that time Italy ranked third in the world for installed power. However, the very ambitious projects were immediately after thwarted in the early 1960s by the "Ippolito trial". Actually, a whole range of advanced programmes for the development of the country went to a stop, since they clashed with national and international major powers. Italy was relegated to a second rank power. The fourth nuclear plan was designed in 1970, and its commercial operation began in 1981. In the meantime, a strong anti-nuclear movement grew, and the position of the pro-nuclear Italian Communist Party began to change. After the Chernobyl accident, a national referendum was held, which in 1987 put an end to the Italian nuclear programmes.