Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto highlighted that nuclear energy could save the energy system in Italy at least 17 billion euros, based on a scenario where nuclear potential is only partially utilized. He argued that a 100% renewable energy scenario would lead to increased system costs due to necessary infrastructure adjustments and storage capacity requirements. Meanwhile, a study by Norwegian scientist Jan Emblemsvåg raised questions about the cost-effectiveness of Germany's energy transition, suggesting that reliance on nuclear power could have been cheaper, potentially saving around 600 billion euros. However, this claim faced criticism from researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute, who pointed out methodological flaws in Emblemsvåg's analysis, particularly regarding the double counting of subsidies for renewable energies.
- The debate over nuclear energy's role in the energy transition continues to gain traction, as countries weigh the costs and benefits of various energy sources. In Italy, Minister Pichetto's comments reflect a growing recognition of nuclear energy's potential to provide a stable energy supply while contributing to decarbonization efforts. In Germany, the discussion is more contentious, with significant investments in renewable energies raising questions about their long-term viability and cost-effectiveness compared to nuclear power. The contrasting experiences of countries like Slovakia, which has successfully integrated nuclear energy into its electricity mix, offer further insights into the potential pathways for energy transition across Europe.
