Analyzing Barriers to Small Modular Reactors Acceptance: Factors Behind Support and Opposition in South Korea
Abstract
As the Korean government announced the construction of four more nuclear power reactors, including small modular reactors, there is a growing apprehension about the adoption of this new technology. In this regard, this study aims to investigate the factors contributing to people’s support or opposition to this novel technology in light of demographic, social, and psychological dynamics. A total of 315 people from South Korea participated in the research. The t-test and multiple regression analysis revealed that supporters had greater trust in authorities while opponents had greater environmental awareness. There was no difference in cognitive dissonance when compared to opponents and supporters. The multiple regression analysis revealed that marital status, risk tolerance, trust in authorities, cognitive dissonance, temporal discount, cognitive closure, and environmental awareness were significant predictors of support for SMRs. Policymakers and authorities must be mindful of these characteristics when strategizing their approach to promoting SMRs in society.
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