From promise to legitimacy: a survey-based study of stakeholder engagement and public acceptance of small modular reactors in the UK

Osiolo, HH ORCID: 0000-0001-8697-5471 and Mukundan, S ORCID: 0000-0001-8902-8955 (2026) From promise to legitimacy: a survey-based study of stakeholder engagement and public acceptance of small modular reactors in the UK. Energy Conversion and Management X, 30. ISSN 2590-1745

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Abstract

This study examines the social, institutional, and contextual factors influencing public perceptions of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the United Kingdom, with a focus on how participatory decision-making processes affect site selection for new nuclear developments. In contrast to most existing research centred on conventional large-scale reactors, the study situates SMRs within the UK's distinct regulatory, environmental, and social context, aligning with sustainable energy development within low-carbon transitions. Drawing on household survey data collected near two proposed SMR sites in the UK, the study finds that attitudes toward SMRs are shaped by technical understanding, trust in institutions, perceived safety, proximity to proposed sites, confidence in nuclear waste management, and expected environmental and economic benefits. Persistent concerns remain regarding long-term risks, radioactive waste, and a pronounced “Not-In-My-Backyard” (NIMBY) effect among residents near proposed sites. Analysis of stakeholder engagement practices indicates that transparent, early, and inclusive consultation, supported by accessible information and independent oversight, increases public trust and perceived legitimacy. In contrast, superficial or tokenistic engagement reduces acceptance and heightens opposition. The findings point to the importance of governance innovation and social learning in enabling socially acceptable low-carbon energy transitions, and provide evidence to inform policy, industry practice, and community engagement in the deployment of emerging nuclear technologies.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Environmental and sustainability assessment; Low-carbon transition; NIMBY; Participatory governance; Public acceptance; Small Modular Reactors (SMRs); 4407 Policy and Administration; 44 Human Society; Behavioral and Social Science; Basic Behavioral and Social Science; Generic health relevance; 7 Affordable and Clean Energy; 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering
Divisions:	Liverpool Business School
Publisher:	Elsevier
Date of acceptance:	11 April 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	27 May 2026
Date Deposited:	27 May 2026 11:06
Last Modified:	27 May 2026 11:06
DOI or ID number:	10.1016/j.ecmx.2026.101860
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28658

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