Engineering news
More than half of the population supports the continued use of nuclear power as a means of keeping the lights on, a survey has revealed.
The research, by ICM Unlimited, found that 56% of the public support nuclear power, compared with just 19% who do not, and 25% who are unsure.
But the respondents were not so keen on living near a nuclear waste site, with 44% saying they would demonstrate against the construction of such a facility within 10 miles of their home.
Furthermore, 61% said they did not know how much nuclear waste the UK had to dispose of each year, while a third admitted that they had no idea how the UK's disposes of the nuclear waste that it does produce.
Dr Jenifer Baxter, head of energy and environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, which commissioned the research, said: “The results show that most of the public realise the vital role nuclear has to play in keeping the lights on in the UK. But there is a lack of knowledge about nuclear technology and the way nuclear waste is managed.
“With plans to replace ageing nuclear plants and increase nuclear power generation, these survey results show the critical need for industry and government to raise awareness about the economic and employment benefits of nuclear power.”
Of the people who support nuclear power, 82% said that this was because it would help keep the lights on, 56% because it would provide jobs and 54% because it would boost the economy. The main concerns for people who opposed nuclear power were that it was too dangerous (77%), too damaging for the environment (76%), while just 27% said that it was because it was too expensive.
Baxter said she was concerned by the high number of respondents who said they would demonstrate against the construction of such a facility within 10 miles of their home. “While most people appreciate the need to develop nuclear power, a large proportion of the 2,000 people surveyed (44%) would protest if there were plans for a nuclear waste facility near their home. This illustrates the potential barrier that ‘Not In My Back Yard’ Nimbyism could play, as we push forward the development of geological disposal facilities.
“Government and industry must ensure they implement good community liaison and communication programmes to raise awareness of the benefits for the local community, as well as the efforts being made to mitigate the long term environmental impacts and safety concerns.”