This study explores the pivotal role of public and local participation in nuclear safety governance, with a particular focus on France's Local Information Commission (CLI) and the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP). Drawing on theories such ...
This study explores the pivotal role of public and local participation in nuclear safety governance, with a particular focus on France's Local Information Commission (CLI) and the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP). Drawing on theories such as deliberative democracy, risk governance, and communicative action, the research highlights the critical importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement, transparency, and trust-building in addressing safety concerns and overcoming public resistance against nuclear power energy.
The CLI and CNDP embody France's commitment to public participation through structured frameworks established under laws such as the TSN Law. These mechanisms facilitate active involvement of diverse stakeholders—including local residents, experts, NGOs, and government representatives—in nuclear policy decisions across the lifecycle of nuclear facilities, from siting and operation to decommissioning and waste management. The study also delves into the democratic practices underpinning these frameworks, such as the theory of public sphere and communicative action by Habermas, which emphasizes rational discourse and public deliberation to achieve legitimacy and consensus in decision-making. Concepts like inclusive risk governance and technical democracy further underline the value of integrating local and expert knowledge to address societal concerns in high-risk technologies like nuclear energy.
Through an in-depth analysis of France's participatory institutions, the research illustrates how public and local engagement enhance societal trust and acceptance of nuclear technology, despite its inherent risks. Lessons from France provide a roadmap for Korea to strengthen its own nuclear governance, emphasizing the establishment of legally grounded participatory mechanisms, enhanced public communication, and institutionalized local involvement in decision-making.