The polarization of energy preferences – A study on social acceptance of wind and nuclear power in Sweden

Using Sweden as a study case, this article explores the polarized opinions to wind and nuclear energy, two low carbon energy options that have been shown to be politically controversial. In a wide-scale survey (N = 5200), general attitudes to wind and nuclear energy are captured, as well as to projects in the proximity of people's homes. The study demonstrates a deep polarization of energy preferences in Sweden, finding strong associations between worldviews, political orientation, environmental concern, and support for or resistance to wind and nuclear energy. The study concludes that support for both energy options is reduced when wind or nuclear power is constructed near people's home, but also suggests that the proximity effect is particularly strong for individuals with strong TAN (traditional, authoritarian, nationalistic) values and right leaning political ideology. The article argues that politically motivated reasoning might explain the polarization of attitudes, yet this effect seems to become less relevant when people are asked to judge potential energy infrastructure located close them. • Energy politics in Sweden are sharply polarized. • Attitudes to wind and nuclear energy are determined by worldviews, political orientation and environmental concern. • Individuals with low governmental trust prefer nuclear energy and oppose wind power. • The impact of personal values as a determinant for energy preferences is moderated by the proximity effect. • The polarization of energy preferences may stem from Social Dominance Orientation or politically motivated reasoning.