Considering that the NIMBY syndrome often originates from
environmental inequity [6–8], reasonable compensation is effective
in minimizing a NIMBY reaction. An example is given. It seems
to take a very long term to construct a nuclear power plant owing to
the NIMBY syndrome; however, siting decisions and their processes
have been rapid in Japan [27]. According to national opinion polls,
the majority of Japanese believes that nuclear power should be the
key energy source. This public opinion allows officials to discount
local protests in the short term [28]. They effectively use financial
rewards and compensation in order to overrule local opposition and
discontent [27]; i.e., there is a clear relation between the intensity
of local conflict and the role of compensation. The compensation
helps people to be accepting of the facility, and the following commitments
may be included as a form of compensation package [29]:
health and safety protection, (ii) economic subsidies, or (iii) support
for necessary services such as transportation and education.
However, no compensation for the Souselas community has been
proposed since the initial stage (1997) of the project.