How Social Impressions Affect Public Acceptance of Nuclear Energy: A Case Study in China

Expanding the proportion of nuclear energy to shift current structure and reduce carbon emission has been acknowledged by China National Energy Administration. As a typical NIMBY facility, power plants are faced with dilemma. Increasing public acceptance is important for its development. Although multiple studies have shown factors affecting acceptance, few them focused on effects social impression brought about attitudes. In this study, theoretical model was established examine impact (including management stigmatization), knowledge, trust, perceived risk, benefit energy. The data in study were obtained through questionnaire survey (N = 577) residents near Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Plant China. results showed that did not directly affect but had positive effect knowledge. Knowledge risk or play roles as chain intermediaries between acceptance. Stigmatization negatively affects trust Social act stigmatization path “impression knowledge then finally acceptance” optimal among all paths. Moreover, no significant risk. positively It also indicated stronger than findings could inform government regarding potential recommendations policy making.