Public sentiment in the United States (US) about nuclear energy appears to be shifting toward the positive side, according to a new study from the University of Michigan.
By analyzing 300,000 posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, researchers found that Americans are more inclined to support nuclear energy, though concerns about waste, cost, and safety persist.
The study's methodology relied on Large Language Models (LLMs) to analyze public sentiment, revealing the growing support for nuclear energy in most states.
Are Americans Warming Up to Nuclear Energy?
The research aimed to identify public concerns and misconceptions about nuclear energy, understanding that this form of energy could play a crucial role in the nation's efforts to decarbonize by 2050.
Nuclear energy is seen as a potential stable baseload electricity source capable of replacing oil and gas. Majdi Radaideh, an assistant professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences at the University of Michigan, emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing public opinion to facilitate a just transition to clean energy.
Radaideh pointed out that while traditional surveys can provide detailed information from specific communities, social media data offers a much larger sample size, reducing both costs and time.
The research involved compiling 1.26 million posts related to nuclear energy from 2008 to 2023. Using large language models (LLMs), the researchers categorized these posts as positive, negative, or neutral and summarized their content.
Approximately half of the 300,000 US-geotagged posts were neutral, sharing facts without endorsing or opposing nuclear energy. Positive posts comprised 30%, while negative posts were around 23%.
When examined by states, 48 out of 50 states showed a higher proportion of positive sentiment, with the national average at 54% positive. Positive posts frequently highlighted technological progress, noting advancements that enhance nuclear energy's safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Users commended nuclear power's high energy density and capability to provide uninterrupted operation. They also mentioned job creation and moving towards clean energy sources.
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Negative Sentiments Toward Nuclear Energy
Despite this, the study also revealed notable negative sentiments, mainly centered on handling radioactive waste, which remains dangerous for thousands of years.
Users voiced concerns about the safe management and disposal of this waste. High costs related to constructing and maintaining nuclear plants and safety issues were also common points of concern.
Radaideh noted that these concerns highlight the necessity for transparency from those developing nuclear energy systems. He recommended clear communication with local communities about the safe storage and recycling of nuclear waste, which is essential to building public trust and preventing ongoing skepticism.
"Understanding and addressing how the public feels about nuclear energy is essential for a just transition to clean energy," Radaideh said in a statement.
The study's findings were published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.
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