In the Nordics, Denmark has also shifted toward a pro-nuclear stance
According to a recent opinion poll conducted in Denmark, 55 percent of Danes would approve the construction of nuclear power plants in the country if a vote were held on the issue. This is the most positive result ever recorded.
A vote would indeed be required in Denmark before any nuclear power plant construction, as a law passed in 1985 explicitly bans the use of nuclear energy for electricity production. The survey result received significant media attention and was described as historic. While the Danish attitude toward nuclear power has gradually become more favorable over the years, this is the first time that over half of the population supports nuclear construction.
Overall, 55 percent of respondents said they would vote in favor of nuclear power, while only 27 percent opposed it. The remaining 18 percent are still undecided.
In the Nordic countries, attitudes toward nuclear power have traditionally been highly polarized. Sweden and Finland have been the most enthusiastic advocates and implementers of nuclear energy, with both countries generating a significant portion of their electricity from nuclear reactors since the 1970s. Read more about in this link.
Denmark, on the other hand, has been known as a wind power nation and has maintained a highly dismissive attitude toward nuclear energy—until now.
Interestingly, even Norway, a country with abundant oil and hydro resources, has shown interest in exploring the potential of nuclear power in the early 2020s, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs).
The energy strategies chosen by the Nordic countries long ago don’t seem entirely misguided, as, for example, electricity prices last year were the lowest in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
Perhaps Denmark, as a new nuclear power country, will eventually join this group.
Text: Juha Poikola and Ville Kulmala
Photo: Pasi Tuohimaa