Survey: Support for nuclear energy rises to record high, backed by 85% of Czechs

Support for nuclear energy in Czechia has risen to a record high. Currently, 85 percent of the population supports its development and use, the highest figure to date. Geopolitical tensions around the world have recently strengthened support. A growing share of the population considers a combination of nuclear energy and renewable energy sources to be the most suitable energy solution for Czechia. This follows from a survey conducted by Ipsos for energy company ČEZ among 513 respondents at the turn of March and April.

According to the survey, Czechs see nuclear energy as a key pillar of future electricity generation. Moreover, 97 percent believe that Czechia should be energy self-sufficient. “This call has long been deeply rooted in society, and global events are further reinforcing its importance. People are well aware that our energy self-sufficiency cannot be guaranteed without nuclear power plants,” explained Michal Straka, Ipsos’s energy sector expert.

According to the public, potential Czech dependence on electricity imports would primarily mean higher prices, which 66 percent of respondents fear. More than half of respondents also warned of supply instability, a concern cited more frequently than in the previous survey on the same topic six months ago. For 31 percent of respondents, the loss of self-sufficiency would represent a direct threat to national security.

The majority of the public therefore sees the future of Czech energy mainly in a combination of sources. According to the survey, 74 percent of people support the synergy of nuclear energy and renewable sources. For six out of ten Czechs, nuclear generation should account for the largest share of production in the future, while renewable sources are seen as its natural complement in ensuring a stable energy system. Support for nuclear energy is also growing in traditionally industrial and coal-producing regions, such as northern Bohemia.

The main arguments of nuclear supporters include the prospect of economic savings, climate friendliness and strengthening the country’s independence. Sceptics, by contrast, most often mention safety concerns and the issue of dealing with spent fuel.

“The views of Czech citizens are in line with the state energy policy and ČEZ’s strategy: the combination of nuclear power plants and renewable sources has public support. This is not entirely common globally. We believe this is because people are aware of the resources we have, our long-standing technical expertise, and they see the long-term reliable operation of our nuclear power plants,” said Bohdan Zronek, director of ČEZ’s nuclear energy division.

According to state strategies, nuclear energy and renewable sources should become the main sources in the domestic energy mix in the future. The state is currently planning to build two new reactors at Dukovany, to be constructed by KHNP. The first of the new reactors should be completed in 2036. At last year’s prices, the cost of the currently preferred construction of two reactors is CZK 407 billion. In addition, the government will decide next year on the construction of two further units at Temelín. Alongside conventional units, modular reactors are also expected to be built in Czechia over the next decade.