Nuclear energy is gaining global momentum: an international study reveals that public acceptance of nuclear power generation outweighs rejection in most of the countries analyzed.
The global energy transition landscape is undergoing a major shift in public perception.
According to The Nuclear Confidence Project – Global Public Opinion Report 2026, prepared by the Radiant Energy Group, preference for electricity generated by nuclear power plants is higher than opposition in 23 of the 34 nations surveyed.
The research interviewed more than 26,000 people in territories that account for nearly two-thirds of the planet’s population.
The figures indicate that 41.4% of respondents support atomic technology, while critics account for 28.5%.
For clean energy sector experts, this progress reflects an urgent quest for firm power sources capable of ensuring grid stability without increasing pollutant gas emissions.
The climate mismatch and the information challenge
Despite this positive reception, the survey points to significant barriers linked to a deficit in technical knowledge.
Although the climate emergency is cited as a top priority by citizens, less than half of the participants understand that nuclear energy has zero or near-zero carbon emissions during the generation process.
This recognition rate falls below that of alternatives such as solar energy and wind energy.
For leaders at ABDAN (Brazilian Association for the Development of Nuclear Activities), this distortion highlights an obstacle that must be overcome through educational campaigns and greater institutional transparency.
Celso Cunha, president of the organization, points out:
“The data show that public perception of nuclear energy is evolving in several countries. What stands out is that public support often advances faster than energy policies themselves”
Safety, timelines, and the direction in Brazil
Electricity supply stability is seen as essential by 40% of the global population surveyed.
However, endorsement of the technology still coexists with historical concerns.
About 81% of respondents express some fear related to accidents, while 62.5% show apprehension regarding delays in completing civil construction works.
In the national context, the discussion gains relevance for the future of Brazil’s electricity matrix, fueling debates over the resumption of construction at the Angra 3 nuclear plant and technological advancements focused on SMRs (small modular reactors).
The challenge for the country lies in consolidating its production chain and translating its competitive advantages into concrete guidelines for sustainable development.
Celso Cunha concludes:
“The world is rethinking the role of nuclear energy in its development strategy. Brazil has mineral reserves, technological expertise, consolidated institutions, and one of the cleanest electricity matrices on the planet. The question now is how to turn these advantages into a long-term energy policy”