Energy costs here are high, as it seems to be through most of Europe. For instance, gas is about 8 US dollars per gallon. To reduce dependence on oil, Italy tried to get the country moving towards nuclear power. Unfortunately, the Chernobyl disaster occurred, and so much public fear ensued that they had to scrap the plan.
Time passed, the terror of a nuke plant accident subsided, and the leaders decided to float the idea of nuclear power one more time. As fate would have it, this also became the time of the Fukushima disaster occurred in Japan. Widespread fear once again prevailed, and the nukes lost. Again.
So, Italy, and especially coastal Sicily, has been exploring alternatives. Wind power is one. We passed many modern wind turbines on the drive from Palermo to Agrigento. We also saw more than a couple solar electric installations. Which is brilliant here, because Sicily averages 350 days of sunshine a year.