Rethinking Public Acceptance: Coexistence with Next-Generation Nuclear Energy and Renewables

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

Abstract

The development of next-generation nuclear technology, represented by Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), prompts a re-examination of nuclear energy’s complex relationship with the public. Compared to past communication strategies accompanying ample nuclear power plants, smaller and more sophisticated next-generation technologies are expected to require different strategies. These strategies must also account for the growing role of renewables and its importance in the global energy transition.

Then, how does the public perceive the next generation of nuclear and renewable energy? How willing are they to accept these two sources? Moreover, how should future public acceptance strategies differ from those of the past? To answer these questions, focusing on nuclear, next-generation nuclear, and renewable energy, this study aims to explore associated factors affecting the public’s perception of energy sources and the possibility of the coexistence of those sources.

We utilize the survey data conducted in South Korea in 2024 (N = 1,808; age range: 19-79; 49.0% women). Our preliminary findings show that next-generation nuclear energy perceptions were less favorable than conventional nuclear and renewable energy perceptions. However, in the face of the future environment, respondents were willing to accept nuclear energy, particularly in what we refer to as “reluctant acceptance,” in response to pressing needs such as improving energy security, ensuring a stable electricity supply, or addressing climate change. On the one hand, demographic analysis revealed that gender, age, and political attitude consistently influenced energy perceptions. Interestingly, no significant difference was observed across political attitudes when asked about support for “CF100”, a proposed energy initiative based on the coexistence of nuclear and renewable energy.

Our results imply that introducing next-generation nuclear technologies will require public strategies that differ from those of conventional nuclear sectors. In addition, we emphasize the need for a different strategic approach according to the demographic characteristics of the policy target, confirming the alternative acceptability of nuclear energy.

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