In their new paper, published in the journal Energy and Climate Change, Elena Hubner and Peter Dirksmeier examine how attitudes towards climate policy and populist attitudes influence the acceptance of renewable energies in Germany.
While the energy transition in Germany is widely supported at the national level, it faces considerable opposition at the local level. This gap is seen as a major barrier to a rapid energy transition. Based on representative survey data from the Research Institute for Social Cohesion, it can be shown that positive attitudes towards climate policy increase the acceptance of renewable energy projects, while populist attitudes reduce acceptance.
The results provide insights into the complex reasons behind the gap in acceptance of renewable energy infrastructure and emphasise the need to specifically consider regional differences in energy transition projects. Tailored communication strategies therefore appear to be crucial in promoting acceptance and ensuring a successful energy transition in Germany.
The article is open access and can be accessed here.
