Whitepaper on understanding public perspectives of nuclear power
This White Paper explains that Singapore is studying whether nuclear energy could play a role in its future energy mix, and argues that any path forward will depend heavily on public acceptance (“social licence”). Drawing on international research, author Dr Olivia Jensen (IPUR Lead Scientist for Environment and Climate) describes why nuclear power is psychologically distinctive: rare, catastrophic events (especially Chernobyl and Fukushima) dominate people’s mental models of nuclear risk, and many members of the public overestimate accident likelihood and do not clearly distinguish older from newer reactor designs. It highlights other persistent concerns that shape attitudes, including fear of radioactive contamination in food (notably seafood), “radiation stigma” affecting communities associated with exposure, and heightened anxieties about deliberate attacks or the weaponisation of nuclear facilities during conflict – concerns that are closely linked to trust in institutions.
The paper also notes that perceptions of routine operations matter (e.g., beliefs that plants emit harmful radiation and increase cancer risk), alongside worries about transporting nuclear materials and, especially, long-term nuclear waste management – often one of the most salient public issues and strongly influenced by fairness and legitimacy of decision-making. While benefits such as energy security, economic development and technological pride can increase support, environmental/climate benefits are not always automatically credited by publics. Dr Jensen concludes that effective policy must pair technical assessment with sustained, transparent public engagement that addresses the issues people care about most, clearly distinguishes different parts of the nuclear lifecycle and risk types, and builds/maintains trust through credible oversight, procedural fairness, and communication that acknowledges values and uncertainties rather than relying on technical reassurance alone.
