Public acceptance of spent nuclear fuel use for new energy in Japan

Abstract

With the nations’ energy security under threat and prices rising, several countries are shifting back in their energy policy to nuclear energy. Leading the recent nuclear boom to dreams, not nightmares, will depend on how the waste issues are resolved. This study aims to understand and break down public acceptance, attitudes, and perceptions of new energy sourced from spent nuclear fuel in Japan. New energy sourced from spent nuclear fuel indicates a technology or application, such as nuclear batteries, that extracts and utilizes the remaining valuable energy from nuclear fuel already used. Based on a web survey of 1000 Japanese in 2022, we found no statistical difference in the absolute mean of public acceptance between new energy sourced from spent nuclear fuel and nuclear power. In addition, the simulation result predicts that acceptance will increase as assessed scientific knowledge on radioactive waste, radiation, and nuclear power-related information increases. Structural Equation Modeling showed that assessed scientific knowledge, trust in the government, and environmental awareness had significant effects on benefit and risk perceptions related to new energy, and both perceptions would directly impact new energy acceptance. The findings will provide insights into developing energy from or recycling technology for spent nuclear fuel.