Safety and Risk Management of Nuclear Power Plants: Is Public Opinion Relevant?

Nuclear technologies are globally employed to produce energy and are vital components to the modern, globalized economy. Nuclear power may represent a viable alternative energy source to fossil fuels and serve as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Economic barriers in the form of high capital costs, decommissioning costs, and waste management may challenge the further adoption of nuclear technologies in these difficult economic times. Environmental health and safety issues with nuclear power and radiation leaks are of great public concern, but the discourse must continue related to nuclear technologies. In this paper, the results of an experimental survey revealed that the public is willing to accept nuclear power generation on some scale, if it remains safe. In the event of a catastrophic nuclear disaster, it is most important to distribute information to the public. A dialogue of nuclear power needs to be ongoing as the global demand for energy continues to rise.