Public Attitudes to Fusion Energy: A Qualitative Study in the UK

Energy is at the forefront of society, central in economic, political and societal systems (Boudet, 2019). Due to this, energy choices have a broad impact on society, meaning that new technologies often incite public reactions (ibid.), highlighting the importance of understanding public opinions regarding energy sources. This is particularly vital regarding emergent technologies such as fusion energy. There has been very limited previous research regarding public attitudes towards fusion energy. Most previous work has focused on attitudes throughout Europe, finding that attitudes towards fusion are linked with participants attitudes towards nuclear fission.

Fusion energy is the same process that fuels the sun and stars and is a developing energy source that offers a safe, green and abundant energy supply (DEBIS, 2020). In 2019, the UK Government agreed £220 million worth of funding for a new spherical tokamak fusion plant (STEP) that aims to demonstrate the ability to generate net electricity from fusion (UKAEA, 2022). Five sites were considered to host this plant, including Ardeer, Scotland. However, West Burton in Nottingham was announced as the chosen site in October 2023 (Roe and Smith, 2023). This project uses local and stakeholder interviews within two case study locations, the potential host site of Ardeer and the chosen STEP location of West Burton, to understand attitudes to fusion, including the perceived benefits and risks, as well as what heuristics publics use to understand this complex technology. This research also includes a national and local media analysis, exploring how fusion is framed.

The main aim of this study is to gather social intelligence regarding fusion generally and the STEP development more specifically offering the first in-depth UK-based qualitative study focused on the STEP development. This research shows that while there is general support for fusion, concerns often stem from broader scepticism towards novel and large scale technology innovations, as well as a wider mistrust in government and the lasting effects of deindustrialisation on local communities. Interestingly, in West Burton, some participants preferred fusion over proposed solar developments, suggesting nuclear technologies may not always be met with resistance. By combining interviews, media analysis and participant observation, this thesis offers a unique, in-depth perspective on public attitudes to fusion energy. Its findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders involved in the STEP project and future energy developments, showing how early, open, and locally sensitive engagement can build trust, challenge misconceptions, and support more socially informed decision-making around emerging technologies.