Public opinion polls conducted over the past year around the world indicate a growing acceptance and even strong support for nuclear power. While the sentiment is not unanimous, there are clear signs from these surveys that the industry has an opportunity and responsibility to debunk misinformation and better inform citizens about the improved safety and performance of the next generation of nuclear reactors.
A recent global study by the Radiant Energy Group highlights optimism. It found that 46% of people in 20 countries support nuclear power, while only 28% oppose it. Even among those who oppose nuclear, a majority still favor keeping existing plants operational.
Nuclear Support Nears Record Highs
In the United States, support for nuclear energy is near record highs. A March 2025 Gallup poll showed that 61% of Americans favor using nuclear power, just one point below the all-time high set in 2010. Similarly, a June 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 59% of the public backs the construction of more nuclear power plants.
Across the border, Canadian opinion is also becoming more favorable. According to a poll from the Angus Reid Institute, 63% of Canadians now support expanding nuclear power generation, a notable increase from 51% in 2021. The degree of support has been rising steadily for the past 40 years – except for a slight decrease after the 2011 incident at Japan’s Fukushima reactor.
Support is particularly strong in provinces with existing nuclear facilities. As an example, an independent poll conducted with people living near Ontario’s Bruce Nuclear Generating Station found 86% of respondents support upgrading and refurbishing existing nuclear plants.
Elsewhere in the world, similar patterns emerge. A March 2025 poll in Germany found that 55% of the population favors a return to nuclear energy, despite the country’s full phase-out in 2023. In Japan, a 2024 survey determined that 58% of respondents think that nuclear power should be used at least in the short term, if not increased over time.
The Misinformation Gap and “Fence-Sitters”
It is noteworthy that polarisation on nuclear power seems to be reducing with many respondents across these surveys falling into a category that Bisconti Research labels “fence-sitters”. In their 2025 national survey in the United States, 65% “somewhat” favor or oppose nuclear energy. Additionally, only 15% of those interviewed consider themselves “very well informed” on nuclear energy.
The lack of information and prevalence of misinformation is also contributing to anti-nuclear sentiment. For example, the Radiant survey found that people who know very little about solar or wind tend to support them, whereas those who don’t know much about nuclear often oppose it. This survey also found that 48% of respondents see nuclear reactors as creating moderate or high levels of carbon emissions, a claim debunked by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Industry’s Responsibility to Inform
Building confidence in nuclear power starts with better informing the public. Clearly explaining and successfully demonstrating new technologies will distinguish the incoming class of nuclear plants from their predecessor’s association with accidents and armaments.
As examples, many proposed designs for Small Modular Reactors are inherently safe, and recycling spent fuel instead of mining uranium would significantly reduce the industry’s carbon emissions.
We hope you will explore the other posts on our website for more insights about how StarCore and our peers are building better for communities and the environment.
