Public Attitudes Towards Small Modular Reactors as an Emerging Field of Social Research

This deliverable report D1.1 of the HORIZON-EURATOM ECOSENS project, ‘Economic and Social Considerations for the Future of Nuclear Energy in Society,’ presents findings obtained in 2023-2024 by qualitative and quantitative studies of public attitudes regarding new nuclear technology, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Compared to the vast literature on large traditional reactors, very little is known about the public's perceptions of this new technology or the willingness of local communities to potentially host an SMR facility. ECOSENS research helps to fill the gap. Through a diversity of social sciences and humanities (SSH) approaches, it provides insights into perceived risks, benefits and potentials of SMR nuclear energy technologies, by citizens in six countries: Belgium, the Czech Republic, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. Views on the role of SMRs to address societal challenges such as the climate crisis, sustainability, and energy security, and on stakeholder engagement in decision making, are explored through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and workshops or panels, with the participation of citizens, civil society and elected authorities.