Understanding public attitudes towards SMRs in Belgium, Czech Republic and Spain

While extensive research has been dedicated to studying factors influencing attitudes towards nuclear energy and large traditional reactors, this topic has been less addressed for the case of Small Modular Reactors (SMR). In this contribution we focus on the desired contribution of SMRs in the national electricity mix in and the acceptability of an SMR within 10 km from one’s residence. We investigate how these are shaped by theory-driven factors including perceptions of SMRs impact on i) carbon emissions, ii) energy security, iii) environmental impact, iv) socio-economic benefits for communities, and v) societal risks, alongside more general concerns and beliefs regarding climate change, energy security and nuclear decision-making. Data underlying this study have been collected in 2024 through online panel surveys with representative samples of the population in Belgium (N=1200), Czech Republic (N=1022) and Spain (N=1001) in the framework of the European project ECOSENS. Results from linear regression models show that -in all countries- the desired role of SMRs in national electricity production is influenced by the perceived benefit of SMR for energy security and the extent to which people believe that SMRs provide a clean and environmentally friendly energy source. The perceived contribution of SMRs to reducing CO2 emissions has a direct effect only in Czech Republic and Belgium. Instead, general climate concern has a direct (negative) impact on attitudes towards SMRs in Spain, but only limitedly so in Belgium and not at all in Czechia. Perceived societal risks have a direct (negative) impact only in Belgium and Spain. As regards acceptability of an SMR within 10 km from one’s residence, this is influenced by perceived environmental friendliness of SMRs, perceived societal risks (negative relationship), perceived inclusiveness of nuclear decision making, SMRs contribution to CO2 emissions reduction and general climate concerns (negative relationship) in all countries, while SMRs’ perceived energy security benefit has a direct impact only in Belgium. Contrary to expectations, while socio-economic benefit for communities was significantly correlated with acceptability of an SMR in close proximity to people’s residence (particularly in Belgium and Spain), it did not have a direct effect on acceptability. Results from this study will be interpreted against the backdrop of existing research into public attitudes towards nuclear energy, especially in the context of climate change and energy security challenges.