Challenges and Opportunities in the Sustainable Radioactive Waste Management

Abstract

Nuclear power plants are worldwide operated. While some countries consider phasing out nuclear power, others are considering building new power plants. Controversial debates have always arisen over the sustainability of nuclear energy, and radioactive waste has been the main topic. The possibility of long term management of radioactive waste considering the population behavioural and demographic characteristics is of particular importance in this study. The aim of the study was to examine if demographic factors and behavioural factors influence the sustainable management of radioactive waste, more precisely their final disposal. In particular, we analysed the relationship between each variable and the acceptance of the final disposal of radioactive waste and the location of the disposal facility. To find the answer of the present research study, we set the acceptance of the final disposal of radioactive waste and the location of the disposal facility as dependent variable and two demographic variables and two behavioural variables as independent variables. Statistical correlations were performed between the selected variables by using SPSS Statistics to establish the relationship between the factors at the individual level and the acceptance of the final disposal of radioactive waste in the context of sustainable development. Questionnaires were used as research tool. Based on this investigation, it was found that there is no correlation between perceived risks and the acceptance of the final disposal of radioactive waste and the location of the disposal facility. Likewise, this study shows that individuals’ acceptance of radioactive waste is based on individual behaviour, but it is also influenced by the demographic characteristics.