Public opinion on renewable energy technologies in Portugal

Abstract

The public opinion on renewable energy technologies was analyzed by means of a survey implemented in Portugal. The survey addresses four technologies: hydro, wind, biomass and solar power. The results show that biomass is the least known technology, while hydro power is the most known. There is a generally positive attitude towards new renewable energy projects, and this tendency is more pronounced for solar power, while the case with lowest but still large support is the one of new hydro power plants. NIMBYism is more pronounced in municipalities with biomass, although not felt by the vast majority of their population. Solar power plants are regarded by the Portuguese public as the most desirable technology in terms of economic and environmental aspects, while hydro power is perceived as the technology that can contribute most to local residents' welfare. Willingness to pay is high among those who perceive renewables as increasing the costs of the electricity, but few respondents believe that renewables tend to raise the electricity bill. This study shows that the Portuguese are generally supportive of the development of more renewable energy projects in the country, and apparently these will not be subject to much local opposition excepting, perhaps, biomass.