The Theseus Paper Series are scientific working papers and policy contributions published by the Theseus Research Centre of the Politecnico di Torino. The series aims to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue at the intersection of technology, social sciences, and humanities.
The series is organised into two distinct streams. The research papers stream provides scholars with the opportunity to disseminate early-stage research outputs as working papers, following a structured internal process that includes presentation within a Theseus Seminar. The policy papers stream is dedicated to contributions that reflect on the policy implications of already published scholarly work.
All submissions undergo a light peer-review process and editorial screening overseen by the Editorial Board.
Editors: Roberto Lalli e Francesco Nicoli
Editorial Board: Isabella Consolati, Alvise Mattozzi, Stefano Sacchi, Giuseppe Tipaldo, Vera Tripodi
- Merve Butorac, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
- Roberto Lalli, Politecnico di Torino
- Francesco Nicoli, Politecnico di Torino
Abstract
Europe’s search for resilient and geopolitically secure energy sources has renewed interest in nuclear technologies, including fusion. This paper examines the political conditions under which nuclear investments can remain socially and institutionally sustainable. Drawing on experimental survey evidence from six European countries, we identify the institutional and economic features that most strongly shape public acceptance. Political feasibility depends less on technology choice per se than on governance, energy sovereignty, and consumer costs. Fusion benefits from a modest legitimacy advantage and represents the least politically constrained pathway to sustain European nuclear capabilities. However, durable support requires embedding nuclear development within credible public and European oversight frameworks, reducing external supply dependencies, and ensuring visible benefits for consumers, particularly through electricity affordability. Careful siting and realistic communication are also essential. Nuclear policy should therefore be designed as an institutional and distributive strategy, aligning technological development with credible governance.