The future of nuclear energy in India: Evidence from a nationwide survey

Extant research has demonstrated that public support (or lack thereof) is a primary driver for the expansion (or decline) of the use of nuclear reactors as a significant source of energy. This study uses a national survey to explore the dynamics of public support for nuclear energy in India, which remains understudied. In doing so, the study also builds on existing research by analyzing key factors that have been shown to have an influence on public opinion about nuclear energy in other contexts such as the US, UK, South Korea, and China. Survey results indicate that there is substantial support for nuclear energy amongst the Indian public and that public perceptions about the benefits of nuclear energy outweigh the potential risks. Results also show that concerns about energy security and climate change correlate with support for nuclear energy, suggesting that members of the Indian public are willing to accept possible risks of nuclear energy to realize the benefits of energy security and, to a lesser extent, climate change mitigation. •There is substantial support for the expansion of nuclear energy among the Indian public.•The benefits of nuclear energy carry more weight with members of the Indian public than its possible risks.•Concerns about the cost and availability of energy in India contributes to support for nuclear energy use.•Those worried about the risks of climate change are more likely to support nuclear energy.