Public Attitudes to Nuclear Energy 2008

Our annual survey of public attitudes to nuclear energy, conducted for the Nuclear Industry Association, shows that the trend in support for replacement nuclear newbuild has regained its upward momentum. Support is up eight points since last November, while opposition is down nine points to the lowest we have measured. Even women and younger people now support it on balance.

Perhaps even more striking is the fact that we now also have more support than opposition for nuclear newbuild that increases the proportion of nuclear energy we use. This is a complete reversal of the position in 2005, the last time this issue was asked about. However women are slightly more likely to oppose expansion than to support it.

Support for nuclear energy is based on its perceived benefits in terms of reliability of supply as well as its contribution to fighting climate change. There is also an assumption by some that it will prove cheaper. Its disadvantages continue to be led by the questions over the disposal of nuclear waste and by concerns about the risks of nuclear energy.

Ipsos interviewed 1,989 people aged 16 and over face-to-face in the period 14-20 November 2008. Data is weighted to reflect the population of Great Britain.