Public attitudes toward the construction of new power plants in South Korea

Abstract

South Korea is facing difficulties securing sufficient generating capacity to meet its rapidly growing electricity demand because of public opposition to new power plants. Therefore, considering public attitudes toward energy supply facilities is crucial to implement a national energy plan. In this study, we empirically analyze South Korean attitudes, perceptions, and ideology factors related to building new fossil fuel, nuclear, and renewable energy power plants. We find that fossil fuel and nuclear power generation could incur additional social costs owing to the strength of public opposition and NIMBY (not in my backyard) syndrome despite their cheaper generation cost than renewables. Further, while the public generally agrees to expand renewable energy nationally, it could oppose such proposals locally. Finally, an increase in the public’s knowledge about renewables and nuclear fuel could help improve attitudes toward these energy sources, whereas an increase in environmentalism may improve attitudes toward renewables only.