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

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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)

  • Raga M. Elzaki

    (Department of Agribusiness and Consumer Sciences, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Fahad Alzahrani & Rady Tawfik & Latefa A. Alnaim & Raga M. Elzaki, 2025. "Public Acceptance and Willingness to Pay for Nuclear Energy in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7917-:d:1741142
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bohdanowicz, Zbigniew & Łopaciuk-Gonczaryk, Beata & Gajda, Paweł & Rajewski, Adam, 2023. "Support for nuclear power and proenvironmental attitudes: The cases of Germany and Poland," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    2. William R. Freudenburg & Rodney K. Baxter, 1985. "Nuclear Reactions: Public Attitudes and Policies Toward Nuclear Power," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 5(1), pages 96-110, August.
    3. Kim, Younghwan & Kim, Minki & Kim, Wonjoon, 2013. "Effect of the Fukushima nuclear disaster on global public acceptance of nuclear energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 822-828.
    4. Ho, Shirley S. & Oshita, Tsuyoshi & Looi, Jiemin & Leong, Alisius D. & Chuah, Agnes S.F., 2019. "Exploring public perceptions of benefits and risks, trust, and acceptance of nuclear energy in Thailand and Vietnam: A qualitative approach," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 259-268.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hassan Qudrat-Ullah, 2025. "Trust, Equity, Transparency and Inclusion in Nuclear Energy Governance: Empirical Synthesis of the Q-NPT Framework," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-14, October.

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