Integrating the views and perceptions of UK energy professionals in future energy scenarios to inform policymakers. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parkes, Gareth; Spataru, Catalina
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 104(2017)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 170
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Scenario studies -- Perceptions -- Energy Barometer -- Survey of energy professionals -- UK energy policy; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.11.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: The Energy Institute (EI) developed its first Energy Barometer survey in 2015 which aims to understand professionals' views and opinions of energy priorities, policies and technologies. 543 UK energy professionals from across the energy sector were surveyed. Following the survey, 79% of UK energy professionals believe their sector is not effectively communicating with the public. This suggests there is an urgent need to better understand how to use surveys in a more methodological way. Developed in conjunction with the EI, this paper presents the Energy Barometer survey methodology and results to achieve a better understanding of UK energy professionals' current perceptions and future priorities. The paper makes two contributions to enhance the UK's energy debate. First, it provides the first results in a longitudinal assessment of energy professionals' views of energy policy issues and discusses the implications for future policymaking. Second, it identifies opportunities for Energy Barometer findings to feed into scenarios development. A comparison with other studies was undertaken. It has been shown that the views of professionals working across the sector are aligned with decentralised approaches to decarbonisation. In particular, professionals expect action from policymakers to coordinate, engage with and encourage investment in energy efficiency. Highlights: 543 UK energy professionals from across the energy sector were surveyed. Aiming to better understand views and opinions of energy priorities, policies and technologies. A comparison of the methodology and results with other studies was undertaken. Considers contributions of results to energy system scenario development. Identifies particular need for increased energy efficiency investment.