Public acceptance of emerging energy technologies in context of the German energy transition

Abstract

Technology acceptance represents a challenge for the successful implementation of emerging energy technologies. Building on previous literature, we developed and assessed a socio-psychological factor model, which we apply to three different energy technologies that are relevant to the German energy transition. Our model analyses factors such as trust in industry, trust in municipalities, perceived problems of the current energy system and environmental self-identity with regard to acceptance both in general (general acceptance) and in the context of a scenario featuring a nearby implementation (local acceptance). These factors are mediated by affect and perceived effects, including perceived benefits, costs and risks. We tested the applicability of our model across three different energy technologies: hydrogen fuel stations, biofuel production plants and stationary battery storage facilities. Our study confirms previous findings, which stress the relevance of psychological and social factors. It also extends the literature, testing a universal model across different technologies and examining acceptance on both the local and the general level. We explored the implications of our findings for the selected technologies and managerial practice.