From as early as 2008, that is, long before the nuclear accident at Fukushima in Japan, Public Issue had recorded the negative stance of Greek public opinion toward nuclear energy and the concern of Greek citizens regarding nuclear reactors.
In particular, the findings of the Environmental Barometer for 2008 and 2009 revealed the following:
- 8 in 10 citizens (81%) consider it likely that a serious accident will occur at some nuclear plant in the world during the coming decade and more than half (56%) are in favor of these plants being shut down.
- 7 in 10 citizens (70%) are aware of the use of nuclear energy in neighboring countries and the majority (85%) express concern about this.
- Regarding the operation of nuclear reactors, 96% of citizens focus on the great importance of an accident and assess the safety level of nuclear plants at 4.65 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest possible safety.
- Roughly 4 in 10 citizens (41%) express the view that nuclear energy has the greatest impacts on the environment compared to other forms of energy.
- Roughly 6 in 10 citizens (62%) disagree with the view that nuclear energy provides a solution to the country’s energy problem and 82% of citizens are opposed to its use for the generation of electricity in Greece.
- Instead of nuclear energy, the preference in Greece is for the utilization of solar (47%) and wind (26%) power, but also natural gas (8%).
- Lastly, the construction of a nuclear plant in Greece is considered dangerous by 82% of citizens on account of the country’s high level of seismic activity.
Nuclear accidents & concern about nuclear reactors
Views about nuclear energy
