Relative comparison of the public's evaluation and social acceptability to low carbon power technologies in Japan

Low carbon power technologies such as renewable energy (RE), carbon capture and storage (CCS), and nuclear power play an important role in climate change policy. Public have expressed continuing doubts about the nuclear plants and their security measures, especially after an accident at Fukushima in 2011. On the other hand, it is now clear that there is widespread public support for RE sources and energy efficiency. However, RE projects often fail because of a lack of societal acceptance of the technologies, often locally from citizens or consumers, as well as from other stakeholders. In Japan, few studies have compared the perceived relative acceptance of the different energy sources held by the public. The objective of this study was to analyze current relative attitudes and acceptance of low carbon power technologies by the public in Japan. An internet questionnaire survey was conducted with 7, 785 respondents in March 2010. Results showed that: 1) The higher the recognition of each energy technology, the higher the approval for the introduction of all RE and nuclear power technologies, but not fossil fuel energy technology, 2) in particular, the favorable attitude toward and acceptance of geothermal generation was similar to that for wind power despite the difference in the energy policy of each, and 3) the respondents require comprehensible information about potential risks, and how to manage these risks into the future to accept the power technologies. They deemed it essential to involve the public in decision-making about the introduction of low carbon power technologies. It is essential to determine and communicate the information needs of stakeholders in order to promote the introduction of low carbon power technologies. Especially, the current energy mix, specific information about risk assessment and management of the lifecycle of power technologies are required.