A referendum on the use of nuclear power was held in Austria on 5 November 1978. Voters were asked whether they approved of a law allowing the peaceful use of nuclear power, particularly relating to the start-up of the Zwentendorf Nuclear Power Plant. Voters narrowly rejected it, with 50.5% voting against. As a result, although the Power Plant was finished, it was never operated and has since been dismantled.
Voter turnout was 64.1%.