Renewable energy technology acceptance in Peninsular Malaysia. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kardooni, Roozbeh; Yusoff, Sumiani Binti; Kari, Fatimah Binti
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 88(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Renewable energy barrier -- Renewable energy technology -- Perceived ease of use -- Perceived usefulness; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2015.10.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: Despite various policies, renewable energy resources have not been developed in Malaysia. This study investigates the factors that influence renewable energy technology acceptance in Peninsular Malaysia and attempts to show the impact of cost and knowledge on the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of renewable energy technology. The results show that cost of renewable energy has an indirect effect on attitudes towards using renewable energy through the associated impact on the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. The results also indicate that public knowledge in Peninsular Malaysia does not affect perceived ease of use, although the positive impact of knowledge on perceived usefulness is supported. Furthermore, our results show that the current business environment in Peninsular Malaysia does not support the adoption of renewable energy technology, and thus, renewable energy technology is not commercially viable in Peninsular Malaysia. Additionally, the population of Peninsular Malaysia associates the use of renewable energy with a high level of effort and therefore has a negative attitude towards the use of renewable energy technology. There is, therefore, a definite need to pay more attention to the role of public perception and awareness in the successes and failures of renewable energy policy. Highlights: Public acceptance is an essential element in the diffusion of renewable energy. Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness affect intention to use renewables. It is important to reduce the cost of renewable energy, particularly for end users. Renewable energy policies should address issues of public perception and awareness.