Knowledge vs. Facts: Nuclear Energy Contribution
Ann Stouffer Bisconti, PhD
Bisconti Research, Inc.
April - May 2024
The magnitude of nuclear energy’s contribution in the United States and worldwide is not widely known. Given this poor knowledge and severe underestimation of nuclear energy’s contribution, respondents found facts on the topic both surprising and important.
These findings are from questions asked in the 2024 National Nuclear Energy Public Opinion Survey. The new national survey was conducted from April 30 to May 2, 2024 by Bisconti Research, Inc., using a nationally representative sample of 1,000 people drawn from the Quest Mindshare Online Panel of 3.5 million people in the U.S. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Knowledge
Give your best estimate. How many countries in the world already have operating nuclear power plants? (%)
The correct answer as of April 2024: 33 countries
Give your best estimate. How many of the 50 U.S. states already have operating nuclear power plants?
The correct answer as of April 2024: 28 states
Give your best estimate. How many operating nuclear power plants (reactors) are there in the U.S.? (%)
The correct answer as of April 2024: more than 90 nuclear power plants
Facts
Here are some facts about nuclear energy.
Please rate each fact on how much it is new and surprising to you.
Please rate each fact on its importance.
More than 90 nuclear power plants provide electricity to one-in-five U.S. homes and businesses. (%)
Nuclear power plants are already providing electricity in 33 countries around the world and in 28 states in the U.S. More are planned. (%)
Nuclear energy is America’s largest source of clean energy—46% in 2023; wind is second with 25% in 2023. Nuclear energy also is a reliable and efficient source that produces electricity 24/7 (%)
Nuclear technologies are used many ways in energy, medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, space missions, nuclear submarines, and throughout society. (%)
Advanced-design nuclear power plants can be used to make heat and to provide clean drinking water, as well as for electricity. (%)
© Ann Stouffer Bisconti, 2024.