About 56% of U.S. adults favour expanding nuclear power plants to generate electricity, according to recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that. This figure remains unchanged from the previous year. In contrast, support for solar and wind power remains higher but has seen a significant decline since 2020.
COMPARATIVE SUPPORT FOR ENERGY SOURCES
While 78% of Americans favour expanding solar power and 72% support wind power, these numbers have dropped by double digits since 2020. This decline is primarily driven by a decrease in Republican support for these renewable energy sources. However, support for nuclear power has grown by 13 percentage points during the same period.
PUBLIC OPINION ON GOVERNMENT INFLUENCE
Americans are divided on the federal government’s role in promoting nuclear energy. According to a March 2023 Pew survey, 41% believe the government should encourage nuclear energy production, while 22% think it should be discouraged. Meanwhile, 36% feel the government should not influence the matter either way.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN NUCLEAR ENERGY SUPPORT
The May survey highlights significant gender differences in attitudes toward nuclear power. Men are much more likely than women to support the expansion of nuclear power plants in the U.S., with 70% of men in favour compared to 44% of women. This trend is consistent across political affiliations.
Global Gender Perspectives
Globally, gender differences in support for nuclear energy are also evident. A Pew survey conducted from fall 2019 to spring 2020 found that in 18 of the 20 surveyed regions, men were more likely than women to favour using more nuclear power as a domestic energy source.
POLITICAL PARTY VIEWS ON NUCLEAR ENERGY
Republicans are generally more supportive of nuclear power than Democrats. Two-thirds of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents support expanding nuclear power, compared to about half of Democrats and Democratic leaners. This partisan gap in support has persisted since 2016.
Partisan Shifts in Support
Support for nuclear power has increased among both Republicans and Democrats over the past few years. Since 2020, Republican support has grown by 14 points, while Democratic support has increased by 12 points. Despite these gains, Democrats remain evenly divided on the issue, with 49% in favour and 49% opposed.
Age Differences Within Parties
Within the Republican Party, younger members tend to support renewable energy sources like solar and wind more than their older counterparts. However, the reverse is true for nuclear energy. Republicans under 30 are less likely to support expanding nuclear power compared to those aged 65 and older (61% vs. 72%).
OVERVIEW OF U.S. NUCLEAR POWER REACTORS
The United States currently operates 94 nuclear power reactors, including a new one that began operations in Georgia this spring. These reactors generated 18.6% of all U.S. electricity in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Regional Distribution
Nearly half of these reactors (48) are located in the South, with 22 in the Midwest, 18 in the Northeast, and 6 in the West, based on data from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Historical Trends
The number of U.S. reactors has declined from a peak of 111 in 1990. The oldest operational reactor, Nine Mile Point-1 in Scriba, New York, has been running since November 1969. Most current reactors began operations in the 1970s and 1980s. In the last decade, only three new reactors have been added, while nine have been shut down.
CHALLENGES FACING NUCLEAR POWER
The decline in nuclear power projects can be attributed to several factors, including safety concerns following accidents like Fukushima Daiichi in 2011, high construction costs, and issues related to radioactive waste storage. These challenges have led many countries to reconsider their nuclear energy plans.
Case for Nuclear Power
Despite these hurdles, advocates argue that nuclear power is crucial for reducing carbon emissions from electricity generation. There has been renewed interest in reviving decommissioned nuclear sites, such as the Three Mile Island and Palisades plants. California recently delayed the retirement of its last nuclear plant until 2030, and construction has begun on a new plant in Wyoming featuring an advanced sodium-cooled fast reactor.
FUTURE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY IN THE U.S.
The steady support for nuclear power in the U.S. reflects its potential role in a diverse energy portfolio. As the country grapples with climate change and the need for reliable energy sources, nuclear power may see a resurgence. However, overcoming public concerns and economic barriers will be essential for its expansion. The ongoing debate highlights the complexity of balancing energy needs, environmental goals, and public opinion in shaping the future of America’s energy landscape.
