Global support for nuclear energy is on the rise, yet misinformation remains a hurdle to its progress, according to a new report.
A comprehensive study, involving more than 26,500 participants across 34 countries, reveals a significant shift in public perception of nuclear energy. The data indicates that support for nuclear power generation outweighs opposition in 23 of the nations surveyed.
Despite this progress, a persistent challenge lies in the limited public association of the technology with clean energy production.
The report, titled “The Nuclear Confidence Project – Global Public Opinion Report 2026,” highlights that 41.4% of the global population supports the use of nuclear energy, compared to 28.5% who oppose it.
This research, covering approximately 65% of the global population, is considered one of the most extensive on the subject. It reinforces an international trend recognizing nuclear energy as a strategic pillar for energy security, industrial competitiveness, and, crucially, decarbonization.
The Shift in Public Perception
The Brazilian Association for the Development of Nuclear Activities (ABDAN) views the results as a reflection of the growing understanding of nuclear energy’s vital role.
ABDAN President Celso Cunha notes that public perception is evolving rapidly—often moving faster than existing energy policies. This underscores the need for a more informed public debate, rooted in technical data and scientific evidence.
Celso Cunha, president of ABDAN, stated:
“The data shows that public perception of nuclear energy is evolving in several countries. What is striking is that, in many cases, public support is growing faster than energy policies themselves. This demonstrates significant room to expand public debate based on technical information and evidence.”
The Climate Gap: Nuclear Energy and Clean Generation
One of the report’s most relevant findings is what researchers call the “climate gap.”
Although climate change is cited as the primary driver for new energy sources, only 44.9% of respondents associate nuclear energy with low or zero carbon emission electricity generation.
This percentage is considerably lower than that attributed to sources like solar and wind, even though nuclear power is intrinsically a zero-greenhouse gas emission technology.
ABDAN points out that this gap represents a significant communication challenge for governments, companies, and industry institutions. The lack of a clear association between nuclear energy and decarbonization hinders its full integration into global energy transition strategies.
Energy Security in the Spotlight
Growing concern over electricity supply security is another key point of the survey. Nearly 40% of respondents consider the reliability and stability of energy supply a priority for the coming years.
This issue gained prominence following global energy crises influenced by geopolitical conflicts, rising demand, and the intermittent nature of some renewable sources.
ABDAN reinforces the importance of a diversified energy matrix, where nuclear power plays a unique role. Celso Cunha emphasizes:
“Energy discussions are no longer just environmental. Today, they involve sovereignty, national security, economic competitiveness, and investment attraction. In this context, nuclear energy has a unique characteristic: it provides clean, stable, and available energy 24 hours a day.”
Persistent Challenges and the Future
Despite the increase in support, the survey reveals that perceptions of nuclear energy still face barriers. More than a third of respondents consider the technology necessary but admit to having limited knowledge of how it works.
Safety concerns, such as the risk of accidents and the construction time for new plants, remain central points of apprehension.
In Brazil, the report’s results are particularly relevant, fueling discussions on the completion of Angra 3, the expansion of nuclear technology in sectors like medicine and agriculture, and the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs).
The country possesses strategic advantages, such as mineral reserves and technological expertise, which can be leveraged for long-term energy policy.
The combination of energy security, climate goals, and the rise in global electricity demand suggests that nuclear energy will remain a central element in debates regarding the future of the world’s energy matrix for decades to come, requiring continuous efforts to overcome misinformation and reinforce its position as a sustainable energy solution.