Rethinking Public Acceptance: Emerging Perception of Next-generation Nuclear Energy

• In Event: Innovating Technology, Communication, and Governance – The Case of SMR

Abstract

Public perception and acceptance play important roles in energy policy. While nuclear energy policy is highly influenced by public attitudes, research on next-generation nuclear energy policy remains limited despite its distinct technical features and global diffusion. This study examines public perceptions of next-generation nuclear energy, using a nationally representative survey of South Korea (N = 1,808). Relying on structural equation modeling, we analyze how knowledge and perceived benefits of conventional nuclear and renewable energy affect perceptions of next-generation nuclear energy, as well as the effects of the perceptions of those energy sources on public acceptance thereof. Our results show that perceived benefits and knowledge of nuclear and renewable energy are negatively associated with next-generation nuclear perception, which also correlates negatively with both nuclear and renewable acceptance. Additionally, the conventional nuclear acceptance is stronger among older, male, and conservative respondents, while next-generation nuclear perception is more positive among women, younger individuals, and liberals. These findings suggest that next-generation nuclear energy is perceived as an emerging energy source distinct from conventional nuclear energy, which requires different communication and policy strategies tailored to the unique features of next-generation nuclear energy. As such, this study offers insights for designing energy policies in future energy transitions.

Authors

• Jisu Woo, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
  Presenting Author

• Junho Kwon, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
  Non-Presenting Co-Author

• So Young Kim, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
  Non-Presenting Co-Author