Acceptability of a sustainable energy transition (Green Deal)

The aim of this project is to establish and develop a coherent integrated research line on public acceptability of energy sources, systems and policies. The project addresses various topics, including public acceptability of diverse energy sources (e.g., renewables, nuclear energy, natural gas), systems (e.g. smart grids), and policies (e.g., public engagement in decision making, pricing policies). The project incorporates several PhD projects on these topics. Multiple methods are used, including questionnaire studies with representative samples of the population and experimental studies on hypothetical and existing energy projects. The aim is to develop better understanding of public acceptability of energy sources, systems and policies, thereby facilitating sustainable energy transitions.

Main project

This project is part of project "Acceptability of a sustainable energy transition".

Researchers and partners

Behavioural and Social Sciences, Psychology

prof. dr. E.M. (Linda) Steg, Social Psychology
dr. G. (Goda) Perlaviciute, Social Psychology
L. (Leonie) Vrieling, MSc Social Psychology
E.J. (Elliot) Sharpe, MSc. Social Psychology

Education

Selection of BA and MA student projects

Public acceptability of energy sources, systems and policies
Public acceptability of energy sources, systems and policies

Results

Publications

Perlaviciute, G., & Steg, L. (2014). Contextual and psychological factors shaping evaluations and acceptability of energy alternatives: integrated review and research agenda. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 35, 361-381.
Perlaviciute, G., & Steg, L. (2015). The influence of values on evaluations of energy alternatives. Renewable Energy, 77, 259-267.

University's focus areas

Energy
Sustainable Society

More information

PhD student Leonie Vrieling aims to develop and empirically test theory about general factors and processes that underlie acceptability of energy transitions. PhD student Elliot Sharpe focuses on the effects of people's values on how acceptable people find different energy sources, systems and policies and how they evaluate the related costs and benefits.