Abstract
To increase acceptance of new nuclear power plants (NPPs) by local communities, some countries offer those communities economic incentives. This study analyzes potential residents’ preferences for economic incentives provided during the construction and operation of NPPs in South Korea. This study uses stated preference data through a discrete choice experiment and the mixed logit model to reflect the heterogeneity of respondents’ preferences. The analysis results confirm heterogeneity by various incentive types, and show that respondents consider the distance between the NPP and the residential area as well as reduced electricity bills as crucial attribute of new NPPs. In addition, the result for the marginal willingness to be near to an NPP shows that reduced electricity bills, construction of new public facilities, and increased residents’ participation are relatively more effective incentives than job creation or solar panel installation. In particular, increased residents’ participation could greatly improve acceptance although it is not a direct form of financial support. The simulation analysis results indicate that acceptance of NPPs rapidly reduces as distance to the plant becomes shorter, although acceptance can change within a 0–30% range depending on the level of incentives. Several policy implications are suggested for policymakers based on the results.
Highlights
Since climate change has emerged as a global issue, the energy industry and policymakers have been seeking more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy systems
Both renewable energy and nuclear power are currently the main alternatives for reducing carbon emissions in the field of energy [1], and are prime candidates to replace the pre-existing energy system centered on fossil fuels. Establishing their role and relative weight for the future is a crucial element to consider in the electric power system of the country. Plans regarding their future roles differ according to individual regions, but the general trend is that electricity generation using nuclear power is gradually decreasing around the world while electricity generation using renewable energy is increasing
This study examines the effect of this new form of incentive –providing the support for renewable energy facilities– on the residents’ acceptance of an nuclear power plants (NPPs)
Summary
Since climate change has emerged as a global issue, the energy industry and policymakers have been seeking more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy systems In this context, energy sources in the spotlight are nuclear power and renewable energy. Energy sources in the spotlight are nuclear power and renewable energy Both renewable energy and nuclear power are currently the main alternatives for reducing carbon emissions in the field of energy [1], and are prime candidates to replace the pre-existing energy system centered on fossil fuels. Establishing their role and relative weight for the future is a crucial element to consider in the electric power system of the country.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
