Public Acceptance and Willingness to Pay for Nuclear Energy in Saudi Arabia

Fahad Alzahrani (), Rady Tawfik, Latefa A. Alnaim and Raga Elzaki
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Fahad Alzahrani: Department of Agribusiness and Consumer Sciences, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Rady Tawfik: Department of Agribusiness and Consumer Sciences, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Latefa A. Alnaim: Department of Agribusiness and Consumer Sciences, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-20

Abstract: This study investigates the public acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for nuclear energy in Saudi Arabia, a country seeking to diversify its energy portfolio under Vision 2030. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey of 403 residents, the research employs descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and a SWOT analysis to explore the socio-economic and perceptual drivers of public attitudes. The findings reveal that 82.4% of participants support nuclear energy, with a mean WTP of 38.2% of their monthly electricity bill for its development. Key factors positively influencing acceptance include age and knowledge about nuclear energy, while environmental concerns and being married are associated with lower support. Notably, trust in government oversight (64.8%) and the prospect of a new energy source (62.7%) are major reasons for support, whereas health and environmental risks (74.6%) are the primary concerns for opponents. This study provides crucial, evidence-based insights for policymakers, marking the first Saudi-specific research to jointly examine WTP, acceptance determinants through econometric modeling, and strategic implications via SWOT analysis, highlighting the need for targeted public engagement and transparent communication strategies to address public concerns and ensure the successful and sustainable integration of nuclear energy into Saudi Arabia’s energy mix.

Keywords: energy transition; logistic regression; nuclear power; social acceptance; risk perception; SWOT analysis; clean energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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