Advanced nuclear technologies in modern energy systems: A comparative risk assessment in Japan

In response to global challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need to transition toward sustainable energy sources, this study aims to understand societal risk perceptions associated with both established and emerging energy systems. Utilizing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a comp...

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Main Authors: Bonjun Koo, Kazuhiko Noguchi, Fumitaka Watanabe, Kotaro Kubo, Tadahiro Shibutani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-01-01
Series:Energy Strategy Reviews
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211467X24003419
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author Bonjun Koo
Kazuhiko Noguchi
Fumitaka Watanabe
Kotaro Kubo
Tadahiro Shibutani
author_facet Bonjun Koo
Kazuhiko Noguchi
Fumitaka Watanabe
Kotaro Kubo
Tadahiro Shibutani
author_sort Bonjun Koo
collection DOAJ
description In response to global challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need to transition toward sustainable energy sources, this study aims to understand societal risk perceptions associated with both established and emerging energy systems. Utilizing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a comparative risk assessment was conducted on renewable energy sources versus nuclear power options, including the potential role of advanced nuclear technologies. The analysis included advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors, alongside traditional light-water reactors as part of future nuclear options. The AHP results indicate that ''Safety'' holds a significant importance weight of 0.41 in nuclear systems, whereas ''Stable Supply'' is prioritized with a weight of 0.35 in renewable systems, underscoring different stakeholder priorities. This comparative methodology facilitated a thorough evaluation of safety, economic feasibility, and community impact. The preliminary results reveal a diverse risk–benefit landscape with specific considerations for traditional nuclear power and potential future systems, such as advanced nuclear technologies. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, offering a detailed understanding of the trade-offs between different energy technologies. This study emphasizes the necessity for further research to clarify the specific characteristics and societal acceptance of advanced nuclear technologies, aiming to develop detailed guidelines for their assessment and integration into comprehensive energy strategies. Such research will support informed and flexible policymaking that responds to the dynamic challenges of global energy demand.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2211-467X
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publisher Elsevier
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series Energy Strategy Reviews
spelling doaj-art-68dc404ac00442f5a7159c0168aa23202025-01-11T06:41:20ZengElsevierEnergy Strategy Reviews2211-467X2025-01-0157101632Advanced nuclear technologies in modern energy systems: A comparative risk assessment in JapanBonjun Koo0Kazuhiko Noguchi1Fumitaka Watanabe2Kotaro Kubo3Tadahiro Shibutani4Center for Creation of Symbiosis Society with Risk, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501, JapanCenter for Creation of Symbiosis Society with Risk, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501, JapanGraduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501, JapanCenter for Creation of Symbiosis Society with Risk, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501, JapanCenter for Creation of Symbiosis Society with Risk, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501, Japan; Corresponding author.In response to global challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need to transition toward sustainable energy sources, this study aims to understand societal risk perceptions associated with both established and emerging energy systems. Utilizing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a comparative risk assessment was conducted on renewable energy sources versus nuclear power options, including the potential role of advanced nuclear technologies. The analysis included advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors, alongside traditional light-water reactors as part of future nuclear options. The AHP results indicate that ''Safety'' holds a significant importance weight of 0.41 in nuclear systems, whereas ''Stable Supply'' is prioritized with a weight of 0.35 in renewable systems, underscoring different stakeholder priorities. This comparative methodology facilitated a thorough evaluation of safety, economic feasibility, and community impact. The preliminary results reveal a diverse risk–benefit landscape with specific considerations for traditional nuclear power and potential future systems, such as advanced nuclear technologies. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, offering a detailed understanding of the trade-offs between different energy technologies. This study emphasizes the necessity for further research to clarify the specific characteristics and societal acceptance of advanced nuclear technologies, aiming to develop detailed guidelines for their assessment and integration into comprehensive energy strategies. Such research will support informed and flexible policymaking that responds to the dynamic challenges of global energy demand.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211467X24003419Advanced nuclear technologiesAnalytic hierarchy processComparative risk assessmentEnergy policyRenewable energy systemsSocietal risk perceptions
spellingShingle Bonjun Koo
Kazuhiko Noguchi
Fumitaka Watanabe
Kotaro Kubo
Tadahiro Shibutani
Advanced nuclear technologies in modern energy systems: A comparative risk assessment in Japan
Energy Strategy Reviews
Advanced nuclear technologies
Analytic hierarchy process
Comparative risk assessment
Energy policy
Renewable energy systems
Societal risk perceptions
title Advanced nuclear technologies in modern energy systems: A comparative risk assessment in Japan
title_full Advanced nuclear technologies in modern energy systems: A comparative risk assessment in Japan
title_fullStr Advanced nuclear technologies in modern energy systems: A comparative risk assessment in Japan
title_full_unstemmed Advanced nuclear technologies in modern energy systems: A comparative risk assessment in Japan
title_short Advanced nuclear technologies in modern energy systems: A comparative risk assessment in Japan
title_sort advanced nuclear technologies in modern energy systems a comparative risk assessment in japan
topic Advanced nuclear technologies
Analytic hierarchy process
Comparative risk assessment
Energy policy
Renewable energy systems
Societal risk perceptions
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211467X24003419
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