Consensus on future EU electricity supply among citizens of France, Germany, and Poland: Implications for modeling. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xexakis, Georgios; Trutnevyte, Evelina
• Is Part Of: Energy strategy reviews. Volume 38(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Citizen preferences -- Energy system models -- Energy scenarios -- Feasibility -- Public acceptance -- European union; Energy policy -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2021.100742
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-467X

Abstract

Abstract: Energy scenarios should ideally account for societal feasibility and hence they could be informed by surveys on citizens' preferences. This study surveyed consensus among citizens of France (N = 202), Germany (N = 199), and Poland (N = 200) on their national and EU electricity supply for 2035, considering different demographics, political orientations, and attitudes towards the transition and its governance. Results showed a broad consensus among surveyed citizens who positively viewed hydro, rooftop and open field solar, onshore and offshore wind power, biomass, and electricity savings, and who negatively viewed Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and net electricity imports. Citizens on average preferred diversified national and EU scenarios with rapid decarbonization and denuclearization, limited imports from neighboring countries, and small shares of CCS. Such scenarios should be now evaluated by modelers. Highlights: Systematic evaluation of citizens' consensus on future EU electricity supply. Positive views on hydropower, solar and wind power, biomass, and electricity savings. Negative views on CCS and net electricity imports. Citizens prefer faster decarbonization and denuclearization than current policy targets. Modelers should evaluate such scenarios as a way of incorporating feasibility considerations.