Nuclear power in Austria: rejection is crumbling

In a recent Spectra survey, 49 percent agreed with the stated statement that their rejection is “a luxury that we can no longer afford to ensure energy security in Europe.” The trust in the ability of politicians to solve energy issues is therefore about to end.

In April, Spectra surveyed 1,000 people online who were representative of the Austrian population over the age of 18. 61 percent were convinced that politicians were massively underestimating the risk of a widespread blackout. Two thirds had little or no concern that the Austrian electricity supply could become more unstable due to the increasing number of wind and solar energy systems in Central Europe. Nevertheless, 49 percent fear that the energy transition “could be doomed to failure without conventional backup power plants such as gas turbines or base-load power plants such as fossil fuels or nuclear power.”

Young people are more open to nuclear power than older people

The younger generation is more open to nuclear power than the older generation: 57 percent of those under 50, but only 43 percent of the 50-plus generation see their rejection as a “luxury” that needs to be reconsidered.

The main blame for the currently unclear supply situation for fossil fuels is primarily attributed to the unpredictable policies of top politicians outside the EU as well as the geopolitical situation (88 percent each), but also the “greed for profit of energy companies” (86 percent). 77 percent also attribute it to the slow expansion of alternative energies, and for 67 percent the Russia sanctions play a role here. The merit order principle is rejected by 69 percent, only 14 percent defend it, the rest have no opinion on it.

Mobility behavior is changing

Rising fuel prices also influence the mobility behavior of Austrians: 44 percent try to save fuel and 33 percent try to drive less. 23 percent are increasingly using alternatives such as public transport, bicycles or carpooling. It is striking that the 50-plus generation is adapting its habits to the energy crisis more than younger people. For twelve percent of those surveyed, the additional costs are so impactful that they have to limit other expenses; ten percent are looking for other types of drive.

Trust in politics when it comes to energy can be improved: only 30 percent trust that the federal government can guarantee energy supply security until 2030 without loss of prosperity. 76 percent fear that the high energy costs in Austria will lead to deindustrialization and job losses in the medium term.