Research Shows Electricity Pricing is Key Factor in European Citizens' Renewable Energy PreferencesEuropean Citizens Willing to Make Trade-Offs for Renewable Energy Preferences, Study Finds

Although the majority of Europeans are in favor of transitioning to renewable energy, there has been a rise in local opposition to infrastructure projects that are necessary for this transition. To ensure a smooth growth of renewables in Europe, researchers conducted a study published in iScience to identify the preferences of citizens in Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Portugal.

The study found that citizens in all four countries prioritize low electricity prices, less dependence on electricity imports, and favor solar power. However, they are also willing to compromise and make trade-offs in order to achieve their preferred qualities in the energy system. To capture citizens' preferences in a realistic way, the researchers used a conjoint experiment, where respondents had to weigh different options.

Rather than asking for opinions on specific aspects such as technologies and costs, the study focused on six system attributes that can affect project and policy acceptance: dominant technology, land requirements, electricity imports, household pricing, expansion of transmission grid capacity, and ownership of energy supply assets. The results showed that electricity pricing has the biggest impact, followed by the share of electricity imports and choice of technology.

The study also revealed that citizens are willing to make trade-offs, such as accepting less preferred aspects like expanding wind power or relying on imports, in order to achieve lower pricing. These findings can help improve energy models and decision-making on the future electricity system, as they take into account citizens' preferences. The authors suggest conducting surveys regularly as opinions may change over time. By integrating citizens' preferences into energy models, the transition to renewable energy can be made fairer.

Alton Shaffer
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