A RECENTLY conducted survey indicates that more than two-thirds of respondents believe world governments should increase or adopt the use of nuclear power.
"As the (poll) shows, the pendulum is swinging towards nuclear power. This may be due to the public's growing concerns around climate change, rising emissions, insecurity of fossil-fuel supply to name a few," Dan Krueger, head of Accenture's nuclear energy practice told The News. "Regardless, consumers are aware a solution needs to be found to replace fossil fuel, that renewables alone may not be able to fill the supply gap in the medium term, and that nuclear power is one answer to the energy mix. Having said that, some consumers do have concerns about nuclear power and this is an opportune time for the industry to inform the public that nuclear is safe and clean – that it is a zero carbon emission source of electricity generation."
 According to Krueger, public opinion can be "significantly" altered on the basis of available information.
"Governments need to be clearer about the reasons for their nuclear energy strategies in order to ensure that public support aligns with their decisions to increase, decrease or maintain their nuclear energy commitment," added Krueger.
Sander Van't Noordende, an Accenture group chief executive, confirmed that "concerns" over energy security, fossil-fuel prices and climate change have made nuclear energy a "popular" option.
Indeed, at least 88 per cent of respondents believed it was "important" for countries to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, while 43 per cent said that renewable energy alone could not fill the gap left by fossil fuels.
"But policy makers and generators should not assume that this makes consent easy to achieve or maintain. Government and the energy industry must take note of the continued fragility of popular support for nuclear power," warned Noordende.
It should also be noted that the survey revealed significant disparities between participants based on geography, gender and age. For example, although 43 per cent supported nuclear energy as a means of reducing fossil fuel reliance, those aged 55 and over were more amenable to the concept in comparison with those under 35 (51 per cent versus 38 per cent). In addition, men were more likely than women to maintain such a view (49 per cent versus 39 per cent).
The staunchest advocates of nuclear energy were found in India (67 per cent), China, the United States and South Africa. In contrast, support was far lower in France (37 per cent), Italy, Belgium, Germany, Brazil, Greece and Spain.
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