Getting future generations involved: the inter-generational challenges of long-term citizen participation in radioactive waste management

Initial opposition to, and ultimately failure of, various technocratically governed radioactive waste management (RWM) projects have led to a participatory turn in the discourses and activities surrounding long-term management of radioactive waste. Current projects involve citizens -and particularly ‘local communities’- in decision-making on disposal projects, through various communication and participation initiatives, ranging from one-way information provision to extensive exchanges and partnerships. In practice, these initiatives have been mostly directed at the siting of disposal facilities, motivated by the idea that finding a suitable site can only happen if local communities agree to host a repository. However, the timescales involved in long-term RWM extend well beyond the initial siting phase. Licensing, construction and operation of a repository can span decades or even centuries, and the post-closure phase of a disposal project for high-level waste is supposed to continue into eternity. This brings about a range of practical and conceptual challenges, as participation will span various generations, and the structures and needs for involvement will likely (need to) change over time.

In this contribution, particular attention is directed to the potential engagement of younger generations in RWM. Various national experiences have demonstrated how young people are potentially underrepresented in ongoing participatory initiatives on RWM, hence jeopardizing the durability and inclusivity of these initiatives. Focusing on Belgium as a case study, we present mixed-method research that explores the perceptions, expectations and intentions of young adults (age 16-25) regarding radioactive waste and its long-term management. Drawing on focus group data and a national representative survey (n=1200), this contribution shows how risk perceptions and knowledge about radioactive waste are largely similar across age groups, but differences do exist regarding preferences on RWM modalities. Differences in participation intention as compared to earlier studies seem less outspoken. By discussing potential barriers and facilitators towards youth involvement, insight is gained in how participation structures and initiatives can be potentially adapted to attract also younger age groups, hence increasing the likelihood that citizen involvement will persist over time. Attention is specifically directed at the alignment of participation structures to the lifeworlds of youngsters, confirming  broader trends in civic participation across generations. Finally, the findings serve a further reflection on the potential added value of citizen participation in radioactive waste management project stages beyond initial siting.