The factors of nuclear energy public acceptance and relative importance (public acceptance factors and relative importance)

ABSTRACT

To ensure that its citizens accept nuclear energy, it is important for Korea to secure energy security. To enhance public acceptance, consideration on which factors are more significant is required. In this context, this research analyzes four factors of public acceptance using the Kruskal–Wallis H test. The analysis and additional qualitative framework of public acceptance show that most of the Korean public is aware of the benefits of nuclear energy but are reluctant regarding the safety of nuclear energy. This is further highlighted by most of the respondents not approving the hosting of nuclear reactors in the proximity of their residence, and little less than a half approving of the building of more reactors. The government should therefore focus on endorsing the safety of the nuclear energy, and ensure measures to protect the public from potential nuclear accidents.

Keywords:

• Kruskal–Wallis H test
• Korea
• nuclear energy
• public acceptance
• relative importance