Invitation to Tender for Public Perception of Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Reactors

The work will involve completing a review of literature to establish the current position of public understanding and a review of international studies in this area, particularly in Canada and USA where pre-licensing design reviews are underway for SMRs. The project will also require preparation of questions for input into the BEIS Public Attitudes Tracker (PAT). This would involve defining questions in agreement with BEIS, which could then be included in the Energy and Climate Change Public Attitude Tracker, produced by BEIS. A recent House of Lords enquiry into nuclear research and technology advised that there is significant potential for SMRs in the UK as complementary technology to the existing nuclear new build programme. International research has evaluated the economic, technical and environmental advantages of SMRs, but not the public perception. These new reactors may include multiple units, and potentially require additional nuclear licensed sites. Their smaller size and wider distribution means that they could be sited in communities with no previous experience or familiarity with the nuclear industry.. Maintaining public support is essential for developments at national and local level. Recent studies in the US have shown that a lack of familiarity has a negative influence on public support; in general the more people know and the greater familiarity they have with nuclear technology the more in favour they are (Nuclear Energy Institute USA 2017). SMRs may involve newer technology and alternative deployment plans. This could have a negative influence on public opinion. This procurement will specify a tender for a contractor to produce a report covering the following: 1. Current public perception of SMRs and Advanced Reactors in the UK and internationally i) A review of literature to establish the current position regarding the UK public's perception. This should include the review of public opinion carried out on GenIV reactors by Ipsos MORI in 2015, and other studies. ii) A review of international studies in public understanding and perception for SMRs and AMRs, in particular in Canada and USA, where pre licensing design reviews are underway for SMRs. 2. Preparation for input into the BEIS Public Opinion tracker i) Define questions on public understanding, awareness and the acceptability of SMRs and Advanced Reactors in discussion and consultation with BEIS. This would involve definition of questions and discussion in a meeting with BEIS to review and confirm question sets. The questions would be included in the Energy and Climate Change Public Attitude Tracker (PAT) produced by BEIS.