Public Attitudes, Stakeholder Engagement, & Nuclear Energy Governance
ECOSENS conducted surveys, focus groups, interviews and case studies across 6 EU Member states plus the UK. Research on public perceptions of SMRs (including benefits for energy security and the environment) found that SMRs are little known. Citizens call for reliable, transparent information on this new technology, its costs and risks across the SMR life cycle, to be compared also with large traditional reactors or renewables. They emphasize respect in nuclear decision making for the broad expertise of local authorities who manage numerous community concerns.
ECOSENS research revealed that the actual level of participatory nuclear governance remains insufficient. Deliberative workshops produced co-developed practical recommendations for enhanced interaction among the full diversity of stakeholders in nuclear decision-making and energy policy.
Assessment of the Sustainability of the Whole Cycle of Nuclear Power
ECOSENS designed a novel participatory energy source life cycle assessment methodology with stakeholder input. Nuclear power, wind and solar (iRES), hydropower, and natural gas were assessed by 40 persons on environmental, economic, and social dimensions across 62 (sub)indicators. This trial found only small sustainability performance differences among the technologies, underscoring their complementary roles. Nuclear power achieved the highest overall rating, with hydro and iRES following closely. Stakeholder feedback emphasized the need for future systemic (scenario-based) assessment, for diverse participants to consider clarified indicators measuring not only emissions but also impacts and contributions to desired goals, for transparent reporting and communication.
ECOSENS also investigated the role of nuclear power in the future energy market (assumptions, driving factors, disruptive technologies, and crisis impacts). Four scenarios for nuclear power development in the EU by 2050 were labeled: Nuclear Status Quo, Nuclear Phase-Out, Nuclear and Renewables Synergy, and Nuclear Renaissance.
A System of Provision (SoP) Approach for Nuclear Power
ECOSENS proposed a new perspective for modeling the economics of nuclear energy. The SoP approach analyses sociotechnical systems (e.g. electricity) tangibles and intangibles (e.g. power plants, workforce, culture), viewing that consumption behaviours are contingent on the specific system through which a good or service is provided. Applying SoP helps stakeholders better understand the agents, priorities, and complex interactions involved in nuclear energy provision, aiding in identifying challenges and opportunities.
The SoP-based model enabled a general assessment of country suitability for implementing nuclear technologies, identifying factors not easily modifiable (e.g. geographic characteristics), and providing actionable policy guidelines. The SoP architecture was enhanced by Circular Economy principles for nuclear power plants. Multiple case studies in four country contexts confirmed the new model’s robustness across institutional varieties.
ECOSENS provided a framework to estimate and enrich understanding of the social discount rate for energy systems, comparing the social rate of time preference and the social opportunity cost methodologies.
