Understanding Public Perspectives Around Nuclear Power

This white paper suggests public acceptance will be critical as Singapore studies whether nuclear energy could play a role in its future power mix.

Reviewing international research, the paper finds that major accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima continue to dominate public thinking about nuclear risk. Many people overestimate the likelihood of accidents and often do not distinguish between older and newer reactor designs, meaning technical safety improvements may not automatically reassure communities.

Beyond accidents, the paper notes public unease about radiation from routine plant operations, as well as concerns around transporting nuclear materials and managing nuclear waste. Waste disposal, in particular, is described as a long-term ethical and governance issue, tied to intergenerational responsibility and fairness in decision-making.

While benefits such as energy security are widely recognised, nuclear is not uniformly seen as a climate solution. Overall, the paper argues that trust in regulators and transparent, inclusive processes are central to earning a lasting “social license.”