The stigmatizing influence of the proposed use of depleted uranium as a tritium storage option for nuclear fusion power generation

The stigmatizing influence of the proposed use of depleted uranium as a tritium storage option for nuclear fusion power generation

The stigmatizing influence of the proposed use of depleted uranium as a tritium storage option for nuclear fusion power generation 150 150 UKAEA Opendata
UKAEA-CCFE-PR(18)78

The stigmatizing influence of the proposed use of depleted uranium as a tritium storage option for nuclear fusion power generation

The public acceptability of emerging industrial technologies, can affect their chances of commercial success. In large, demographically diverse samples from the United Kingdom (N = 438) and Germany (N = 390) – recruited to an online questionnaire-based survey study – we show for the first time the stigmatizing impact that the proposed use of depleted uranium as a tritium fuel storage option for nuclear fusion has upon public attitudes towards nuclear fusion. We also show how this stigmatizing impact can be partially reversed through the provision of a small amount of factual information about the nature and purpose of depleted uranium. The study findings have clear implications for public engagement and communication efforts relating to current and future nuclear fusion demonstration projects.

Collection:
Journals
Journal:
Energy Research and Social Science
Publisher:
Elsevier
Published date:
14/02/2022