Acceptability of a sustainable energy transition

In this line of research, we aim to study which factors affect public support for a sustainable energy transition. Among others, we study the acceptability of energy sources, sustainable energy technologies, energy infrastructures (including smart grids, and energy policies. We consider the role of individual factors (such as values, trust, knowledge) and contextual factors (including characteristics of energy sources, technologies, infrastructure, policies), as well as the role of fairness, justice, and compensation strategies.

Researchers:

Educational program of the department:

Master programme Environmental Psychology (EN)

Names of courses:

PSMSB-2 Environmental Psychology
B2-4 Social environment and behaviour

Topics of bachelor / master theses:

Acceptability of gas production in Groningen
Acceptability of energy technologies

Cooperations exist within faculty, university, (inter)nationally:

Prof. dr. Tobias Brosch
Prof. dr. Patrick Devine-Wright, University of Exeter
dr. Cecilia Jacobsson, University of Gothenburg
Prof. dr. Nick Pidgeon, prof. dr. Wouter Poortinga, Cardiff University
Prof. dr. Michael Siegrist, dr. Bernadette Sütterlin, dr. Vivianne Visschers, ETH Zurich

Representative publications:

Boomsma, C., & Steg, L. (2014). Feeling safe in the dark: Examining the effect of entrapment, lighting levels, and gender on feelings of safety and lighting policy acceptability. Environment and Behavior, 46 (2), 193-212. DOI: 10.1177/0013916512453838.
Boomsma, C., & Steg, L. (2014). The effect of information and values on acceptability of reduced street lighting Journal of Environmental Psychology, 39, 22-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.11.004.
De Groot, J., & Steg, L. (2006a). Impact of transport pricing on quality of life, acceptability, and intentions to reduce car use: an explorative study in five European countries. Journal of Transport Geography, 14 (6), 463-470.
De Groot, J.I.M., Steg, L., & Poortinga, W. (2013). Values, perceived risks and benefits, and acceptability of nuclear energy. Risk Analysis, 33 (2), 307-317. DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2012.01845.x
Huijts, N.M.A., Molin, E.J.E., & Steg, L. (2012). Psychological factors influencing sustainable energy technology acceptance: A review-based comprehensive framework. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16, 525-531.
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.
Poortinga, W., Steg, L., & Vlek, C. (2002). Environmental risk concern and preferences for energy-saving measures. Environment and Behavior, 34 (4), 455-478.
Steg, L., Dreijerink, L., & Abrahamse, W. (2005). Factors influencing the acceptability of energy policies: testing VBN theory. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 25 (4), 415-425.
Steg, L., Dreijerink, L., & Abrahamse, W. (2006). Why are energy policies acceptable and effective? Environment and Behavior, 38 (1), 92-111.

Successful grant proposals or other achievements:

ERSAS: Incentives and algorithms for efficient, reliable and socially acceptable energy system integration. Funded by NWO.
Developing socially responsible innovations: The role of values and moral emotions. Funded by NWO.
Acceptability of a sustainable energy transition. Funded by Green Deal.
Acceptability of gas as a future energy source. Funded by RVO.
Public support for gas production in Groningen. Funded by NAM.
Evaluation of green street-lighting. Funded by municipality of Assen.
Review on social psychological aspects related to the geological disposal of CO2 and nuclear waste. Funded by IAEA.
Acceptability of energy-extensive consumption. Funded by Dutch National Institute of Public Health and the Environment.

PhD projects or smaller research projects

Goda Perlaviciute: Goal-driven evaluations of sustainable products. PhD in 2014.
Elisabeth Hoekstra: Factors influencing trust in energy companies.
Leonie Vrieling: Factors influening acceptability of a sustainable energy transition.
Elliot Sharpe: Acceptability of a sustainable energy transition.

University's focus areas:

Energy
Healthy Ageing