Exploring gender insights on the perceived safety and acceptability of small modular reactors

The growing support for nuclear energy and the emerging hype around the early small modular reactor (SMR) plans could be leaving the social implications of SMRs for less attention. Focusing on gender differences, we investigate the acceptability and perceived safety of SMRs. Our research data consist of two resident surveys, carried out in the Helsinki metropolitan area in 2021 ( N = 1600) and 2022 ( N = 1599). Ordinary least squares regression models were used as the analysis method. Our study found differences in how women and men perceive SMR safety and acceptability, and results indicate that gender is a significant indicator on both the acceptability and perceived safety of SMRs, alongside right-wing oriented political affiliation and trust towards nuclear safety authorities. Future SMR decision-making should not overlook these differences in attitudes, but seek better understanding of the underlying reasons and implications, and integrate these insights into decision-making on nuclear energy policy. • Small modular reactor (SMR) plans face new challenges in the Finnish energy landscape. • Resident surveys analysis shows polarized views behind acceptance and safety of SMRs. • Results find gender to be a key indicator on the acceptance and perceived safety of SMRs. • Right-wing political affiliation and trust in safety authorities linked to acceptance and safety. • Future SMR decision-making should not overlook social implications of SMR projects.