Most Italians remain opposed to the idea of nuclear energy, 20 years after it was outlawed in a national referendum, according to a new poll.
The survey by the IPSOS research institute found that 82% of Italians dislike the idea of nuclear power, while just 12% are in favour.
In a 1987 referendum, held in the immediate aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, Italians voted to abandon nuclear energy.
Now, however, with Italy consuming about six times the energy it produces and oil prices high, there have been calls for the nuclear option to be reconsidered.
Yet the survey suggests this would be an unpopular move with those polled, most of whom indicated a strong preference for clean sources of renewable energy over nuclear power.
"The results of this research show there is a growing understanding of alternative and eco-sustainable solutions to energy shortages, which is a good sign," said Arturo Colantuoni Sanvenero, managing director of the Milan International Fair, which helped sponsor the study.
The poll found that Italians fell into four main groups regarding their attitude to environmental issues.
The largest group, 46%, were aware of current environmental problems, well informed about renewable energy sources "but not proper environmentalists".
The second group, described as "pragmatists", accounted for 40% of the sample. People in this category were in favour of alternative sources of energy but worried about the cost, and admitted they would need economic incentives and encouragement from the state for environmentally friendly options.
"Environmentalists" made up 7% of those polled. They said they did their best to live in an ecologically sustainable way, regardless of the cost. They tended to be well educated, aged between 31 and 44 and resident in northern and central Italy.
The remaining 7% had little interest in environmental issues and said their main concern was cost and logistical issues. People in this category were often over the age of 65, female and retired or housewives.
The deputy chair of the Senate environment committee, Edo Ronchi, welcomed the study, saying it boded well for government plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
"These figures clearly show that Italians are ready to use renewable sources, keen to save energy resources and to contain carbon dioxide emissions," he said.
He said renewable energy sources should be viewed as a benefit to the country rather than a financial burden, and urged Italy not to "fall behind in this technological race".
"Just think of Germany, where renewable energy sources employ 214,0000 people and involve 5,000 firms, generating a turnover worth four billion euros a year," he said.
Last month, the Italian government unveiled a new energy- saving package aimed at tackling the problem of rising fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan aims to cut energy consumption by 20% and free Italy from the need to import large amounts of electricity from abroad.
A series of tax breaks will encourage individuals and companies to become more energy efficient by offering greater deductions on installing solar panels and replacing old water heaters.
There will also be tax incentives for construction firms to build energy-efficient buildings and for companies to buy machinery that consumes less electricity.
The plan sets aside 1.5 billion euros a year for investments in renewable energy sources, including measures to increase Italy's production of solar power 100-fold over the next 10 years.
