CERNOBBIO, Sept 5 (AP/UNB) - A study chaired by the chief economist of the International Energy Agency is making a strong case for the introduction of nuclear energy in Italy.

The study, presented Sunday at a business and policy conference on Lake Como, says Italy can diminish its dependency on foreign nations and cut carbon emissions.

Carrying out the analysis were experts including ones from Italian energy company Enel and France's EdF, which last year formed a joint venture to develop nuclear energy in Italy.

It also included neutral experts and was chaired by Fatih Birol, the chief economist of the Paris-based IEA.

Premier Silvio Berlusconi said in April that he expected the construction of the first nuclear reactor in Italy to get going within three years.