57% of the population are in favour or rather in favour of considering a new generation small nuclear power plant to ensure security of electricity supply in Estonia, according to a recent Kantar Emor survey.
A regularly commissioned survey by Fermi Energia, which is planning a new generation of small modular reactors in Estonia, reveals both the support of the Estonian public for considering nuclear power and a comparison with other energy sources. Thus, the results show that 27% strongly support and 30% rather support the consideration of nuclear energy. 14% are against and 14% are also rather against.
Compared to the results of the previous survey in January 2021, support for considering nuclear power has increased from 54% to 57%, with a significant increase in the proportion of those who strongly agree - from 22% to 27%.
According to Kalev Kallemetsa, Member of the Board of Fermi Energia, support for the use of nuclear energy is slowly growing around the world, as the increasing impact of climate change and high energy prices focus people's attention on all forms of low-carbon energy production, including nuclear. "We are pleased that public support in Estonia for the small modular reactor project and for considering nuclear power has remained high year on year. This shows us that people take energy issues seriously and understand that energy security must be guaranteed in Estonia in all weathers," Kallemets said.
The survey also asked respondents which forms of energy they favour the development of in Estonia, taking into account the reduction of electricity production from oil shale. Support for wind energy is the highest (57%), followed by solar (55%) and a new generation of small nuclear power plants (43%). 13% support the development of shale electricity generation alongside oil production and 11% support the use of natural gas. The development of electricity generation from wood chips is supported by only 6% of respondents.
