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TNO and NRG PALLAS Report on Public Trust in Nuclear Energy – April 24, 2024

Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and grid congestion make decisions about the optimal energy mix more urgent than ever. Together with TNO, NRG PALLAS investigated which factors influence the social acceptance of nuclear energy. The study shows that public perception is strongly linked to the perceived benefits, drawbacks, risks, and the fairness of the policies. Govert de With (NRG PALLAS) and Caroline van der Weerdt (TNO) recommend an adaptive policy approach: one that is flexible, responsive, and aligned with societal changes.

The changing dynamics of the energy debate
Whereas the nuclear energy debate used to focus primarily on safety, waste, and risks, we now see other topics gaining more attention. “People today are more concerned with energy security, climate change, and the cost of alternatives. It’s important to have a process in place that continuously monitors public sentiment and responds accordingly,” says Van der Weerdt, senior behavioral consultant at TNO.

One striking finding is the difference in opinion between the general public and those living near nuclear facilities. “People living near nuclear power plants have very different concerns, such as livability or spatial planning,” says Govert de With, manager of radiation protection R&I at NRG PALLAS. “If we want nuclear energy to play a strong role in the future energy mix, we also need to invest in a strong societal foundation. Technology and trust must go hand in hand. Both forms of trust—local and national—require their own approach.”

Trust is not a given
The research shows that public attitudes toward nuclear energy are shaped by three key factors:

• Risk perception: how people perceive the risks of nuclear energy, for example regarding safety and environmental impact.

• Perceived net benefit: which aspects are seen as positive, such as affordable energy or reduced CO₂ emissions.

• Fairness: whether nuclear energy policy is seen as transparent and just.

These factors are constantly influencing each other and vary significantly between individuals, regions, and over time.

Policy must be flexible
The lifespan of a nuclear power plant spans several decades. This makes it tempting to set policy in stone. However, according to the researchers, this approach is risky. The public debate evolves, as do the values people consider important. That’s why they advocate for an adaptive approach: a continuous cycle of listening, analyzing, and responding.

This also requires new forms of participation. In addition to actively involving people in decision-making about nuclear energy, it’s just as important to keep a finger on the pulse during the long planning, construction, and operational phases—and to respond openly and actively to concerns.

Building trust requires adaptive policy
Ultimately, dealing with public trust in nuclear energy calls for a policy approach that keeps pace with societal change. Trust in nuclear energy doesn’t arise or persist on its own. More is needed than just a technical rationale or a cost-benefit analysis. It’s about recognizing the different perspectives of citizens and involving them actively.