World Bank Group Timeline
Funding to Italy for nuclear power plant announced
The Bank actively considered the application of nuclear power on a commercial scale in 1955. The Bank and the Italian government agreed to undertake, in 1957, a joint study concerning a large nuclear power station to be established by the Societa Elettronucleare Nazionale (SENN) in southern Italy. This loan, which finances 60% of the cost of constructing the atomic power plant on the Garigliano River, is the Bank's first investment in nuclear power.
Resource Gallery
Nuclear power plant under construction
1960
The giant sphere for the nuclear reactor is being built (30232108; Credit: The World Bank).
SENN Nuclear Power Plant Project: Appraisal Report
Document date: Sept. 4, 1959
The report describes and appraises the project.
The giant sphere for the nuclear reactor
1961
The power plant will have a capacity of 150,000-kilowatts (30232108; Credit: The World Bank).
Loan for Nuclear Power
Originally published: August 2003
The exhibit describes the World Bank's lone foray into investment in nuclear power.
President Black address to the Boards of Governors
Sept. 23, 1957
President Black discusses the Bank's study on the commercial feasibility of atomic energy undertaken jointly with the Government of Italy (36I).
Nuclear Power Plant Reactor Under Construction
1960
The photo shows, framed, the foundations of the giant sphere for the Nuclear Reactor. (30232108; Credit: The World Bank).
Joint Bank-Italian Nuclear Power Study
Document date: July 3, 1957
The memorandum sets the guidelines for a joint Italian-Bank study of the economics of a large nuclear power station in Italy.
Nuclear Power Project
P037419: Approved Sept. 14, 1959
The profile contains project and financial information and lists of project documents and archival records.
Report on SENN's nuclear power station site selection
Jan. 27, 1958
The Bank receives a report from SENN on its choice of location for the nuclear power station to be built in southern Italy (1854242).
