Poland is currently undergoing substantial transformation in its energy
sector, and gaining public support is pivotal for the success of its energy
policies. We conducted a study with 338 Polish participants to investigate
societal attitudes towards various energy sources, including nuclear energy and
renewables. Applying a novel network approach, we identified a multitude of
factors influencing energy acceptance. Political ideology is the central factor
in shaping public acceptance, however we also found that environmental
attitudes, risk perception, safety concerns, and economic variables play
substantial roles. Considering the long-term commitment associated with nuclear
energy and its role in Poland's energy transformation, our findings provide a
foundation for improving energy policy in Poland. Our research underscores the
importance of policies that resonate with the diverse values, beliefs, and
preferences of the population. While the risk-risk trade-off and
technology-focused strategies are effective to a degree, we advocate for a more
comprehensive approach. The framing strategy, which tailors messages to
distinct societal values, shows particular promise.Comment: preprint Energy Polic