The development of the international nuclear power plant construction market in the context of nuclear power social acceptability research

Abstract

Aim. To determine the vector of influence of public opinion on the prospects of development of the international market of nuclear power plant (NPP) construction in the conditions of global energy transition and to formulate the most priority directions of communication work in order to increase the Russian export of nuclear power technologies in the markets of developing countries.Objectives. To identify the current trends of social acceptability of nuclear power in the world; to consider a number of tools used to work with public opinion in the field of improving the reputation of nuclear power in countries-importers of nuclear power technologies; to substantiate the importance of communication work in order to increase Russian exports of nuclear power technologies in the markets of developing countries.Methods. Data from various sociological surveys were used to analyze the current state of social acceptability of nuclear power plants. The key methods of this study are comparative method and case study method.Results. The analysis of the international experience of society’s influence on energy policy has shown that it is impossible to implement international projects in the field of NPP construction without public support for the initiative on nuclear power development. The analysis revealed that one of the competitive advantages of ROSATOM in the international NPP construction market is the inclusion of public communication work in the export offer. Based on the analysis of the results of sociological surveys, it was found out that within the framework of communication work with the public in the importer country it is reasonable to emphasize the economic benefits of NPP operation and continuity of its functioning.Conclusions. The article shows the possibilities of increasing the Russian export of nuclear power technologies in the markets of developing countries, due to the global trend to increase the social acceptability of nuclear power and the presence of relevant competitive advantages, including within the framework of the implementation of communication strategy.