A survey carried out in September by Norstat in the municipalities of Viru-Nigula and Lüganuse shows that local people's views on the consideration of a nuclear power plant in their local area have become clearer.
Compared to January, the share of strong supporters has increased in both municipalities. While in January, 17% in Lüganuse municipality and 16% in Viru-Nigula municipality expressed support for the consideration of a new generation small nuclear power plant in their municipality, in September, the number of clear affirmative views increased to 33% in both municipalities. The share of "don't know" respondents has also decreased significantly, from 15% to 11% in Viru-Nigula municipality and from 21% to 7% in Lüganuse municipality.
The largest supporters of nuclear power plant weighing are men (41% "yes", 22% "rather yes") and those aged 25-44 (more specifically, 46% "yes" and 20% "rather yes" in the 25-34 age group and 41% "yes" and 25% "rather yes" in the 35-44 age group).
The position of opponents of considering a nuclear power plant has also become more entrenched with the latest poll. While 14% and 18% said "no" and "rather no" respectively in the January survey, 26% and 13% said "no" and "rather no" respectively in the September survey.
In addition, respondents were also asked about the perceived benefits of the plant for the municipality, and the challenges that would need to be addressed when considering the plant. In both municipalities, it was pointed out that a nuclear power plant could bring new jobs, a lower cost of living and contribute to the overall development of the municipality, while challenges were seen in terms of mitigating environmental risks, finding a solution to waste and whether the site selection (in the national specific planning process) would lead to the identification of a suitable location.
Fermi Energia has been commissioning public opinion surveys from research companies since 2019. This is the second time the survey has been carried out in the municipalities of Viru-Nigula and Lüganuse, which the company considers to be potential future municipalities in the process of selecting a nuclear power plant location.