Survey: 66 Percent of Slovak Population Supports Nuclear Energy Use

Bratislava, November 9 (TASR) - The Slovak population has a positive opinion on nuclear energy, with 66 percent of respondents supporting its use for electricity production and 78 percent agreeing that nuclear energy creates new jobs, according to the results of a survey carried out by NMS Market Research Slovakia agency. In addition, 69 percent of respondents believe that the construction of new reactors in Slovakia will enhance students' interest in studying nuclear technology so that the need for technical experts for recent and planned investments is met. According to the agency, the majority of Slovaks also claim that nuclear power plants ensure stable energy supplies, have a long service life and are a source of cheap energy. "Slovaks obviously understand the economic benefits that clean, stable and long-term nuclear energy generation can bring to the country," said Petr Brzezina, the president of Westinghouse for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which presented the results of the agency's survey together with the Slovak Technical University earlier this week. Three in four respondents believe that Slovak firms should be engaged in the construction of nuclear reactors. At the same time, the agency pointed out that only one third of the Slovak population has awareness of small modular nuclear reactors. The survey further showed that 42 percent of respondents would support the construction of a nuclear power plant in the place of their residence. Support and awareness of nuclear energy prevails among men, added Mikulas Hanes of NMS Market Research Slovakia. The Slovak government should currently assess the expansion of new nuclear energy using the advanced deployed technology of Westinghouse's AP1000 reactor. ko/mcs/mf