The latest Eurobarometer survey shows how the energy challenges of the 21st century are causing public opinion to shift significantly in favor of nuclear power. Though the advantages of this energy source are now acknowledged, doubts persist about radioactive waste management.

The Brussels Commission is implementing its bold 20/20/20 plan – cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and boosting renewable energies to a 20% share of the energy mix by 2020 – to acquire safe, competitive and sustainable energy in answer to the challenges of climate change, rising global energy demand and security of supply. But while the European Union has officially acknowledged the particular appeal of nuclear power to generate clean, reliable electricity, individual government and public opinions remain relatively divided on this energy source.

60% of Europeans acknowledge that nuclear power has indisputable advantages

The message of the latest Eurobarometer is clear. There has been a significant shift from anti-nuclear to pro-nuclear opinion: 44% of Europeans now say they are "rather in favor" or "very in favor" of this type of energy, while 45% remain "rather opposed" or "completely opposed". This represents a 7-point gain for the former and a 10-point loss for the latter. Since the next-to-last wave of surveys in 2005, public acceptance of nuclear power has risen significantly in most EU countries (17 out of 27), especially in countries that already have nuclear power plants. And more than 60% of Europeans acknowledge that to diversify energy sources and help reduce dependency on oil and gas, nuclear power has indisputable advantages, including very low greenhouse gas emissions.

Opinions are still divided on waste management

But another point is also clear: radioactive waste management is a crucial issue for the development of nuclear power. The survey shows that nearly 40% of those opposed would consider changing their opinion if they were given proof that a definitive and entirely safe waste disposal solution is feasible. And 93% of Europeans (more than 9 out of 10) believe that it is urgent to find a technical solution to waste management today rather than leaving the problem for future generations to solve.
Opinions are also divided between temporary or permanent disposal of radioactive waste in deep geological repositories. Organizations and specialists in the nuclear field consider this to be the safest solution. Fear of its health effects and environmental impacts (risk of radioactive leaks) are the reason for its rejection, with the proximity of such a disposal site to inhabited areas viewed as potentially dangerous.

Still subjective perceptions of real or imagined threat

The Eurobarometer points to strong demand for information about waste management. Since the first public opinion survey on the subject in 1998, a majority of Europeans (around 75%, not including the Swedes), think they receive little or no information, independently of whether or not their country has a nuclear power program. The survey also reveals a contradiction: in several countries, the public complains that it does not receive enough information, yet nevertheless supports nuclear power! A typical example is France, the country with the most nuclear power plants. Only 20% of France's citizens are satisfied with the information provided, yet a 52% majority is still in favor of nuclear power.
Concerning the real or imagined threat of radioactive waste, a large majority of Europeans (78%) believe that all radioactive waste is highly dangerous. A relative majority (42%) even think that only nuclear power plants produce such waste, unaware that there are other sources as well, such as some hospitals and research institutes. The findings do show that the level of objective knowledge on the types, sources and hazards of radioactive waste is higher in countries with a nuclear power program.

Including citizens in the decision-making process

The Eurobarometer findings can be read as generally encouraging: citizens have a very "proactive" stance on decision making and would like to be included in the process more, at both the national and the European level. Last but not least is nuclear power’s recent return in countries where it had been banned. Witness Sweden, which in February 2009 ended the moratorium voted by referendum in 1980 by authorizing the construction of up to 10 new power plants. That alternative is supported by 82% of the Swedish public. In Germany, meanwhile, which chose in 2000 to phase out nuclear power, second thoughts about that decision have now reached the highest political offices...