In a survey carried out by Kantar Emor in January, 69% of those polled supported the consideration of a new generation nuclear power plant. This is also the highest support rate since the start of the survey commissioned by Fermi Energia in 2019. It also exceeds the share of firm supporters (39%) of all previous polls.
Nuclear energy is also seen for the first time as the most preferred energy source in Estonia. To the question "Which type of electricity generation are you in favour of developing in Estonia, given the reduction of electricity generation from oil shale?". 59% answered that they would see nuclear energy as a desirable option for development in Estonia, 53% wind energy and 49% solar energy. There has also been an increase in the number of respondents who see potential for electricity alongside shale oil production. Compared to the previous survey in August this year, the popularity of all energy sources except wind and solar has increased.
The main benefits of developing nuclear energy are seen in terms of ensuring security of electricity supply in all weather conditions (651TtP3T) and more favourable electricity prices (541TtP3T), as well as economic development (331TtP3T) and decarbonisation (261TtP3T). The main drawbacks are the storage of nuclear waste (661 TTC3T), the risk of accidents (511 TTC3T) and the lack of expertise in Estonia (511 TTC3T).
This year's survey also asked the question "Would you like the Riigikogu to vote in favour of the introduction of nuclear energy and the creation of the corresponding capacities in the country?"- 61% answered yes, 20% no, 19% could not answer.
In terms of party preference, supporters of all parties are either for or against considering a nuclear power plant. The Reform Party (85%), the 200 Estonians (83%), the Right (79%), the Estonian People's Party (78%) and Isamaa (76%) are the most strongly in favour of a nuclear power plant. Support is also strong among potential voters for the Social Democrats (69%), the Centre Party (61%), the Greens (56%) and other parties (58%).
1155 people took part in the survey. Fermi Energia has been regularly commissioning surveys on attitudes towards nuclear energy since 2019.