Most Italians are still opposed to nuclear power

The majority of Italians surveyed by Italian research company IPR Marketing are still opposed to nuclear energy, 20 years after they voted in favour of the nuclear phase-out policy during a referendum. Italy held a referendum in 1987, following the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. The majority of Italians were strictly opposed to nuclear power generation, and, as a result, all existing reactors were decommissioned.

According to the poll, 56% of those interviewed were opposed to the construction of any new nuclear build, while 70% were against any power stations being built near their homes. A total of 38% of people surveyed were in favour of new builds, and 25% said they would not mind a plant being constructed in their neighbourhood.

Divided into political trends, 67% of Italians interviewed from the centre-left were not in favour of any new build, while only 47% of those from the centre-right were opposed to the resurrection of nuclear power plants.

To consult the results of the opinion poll, please click here.