Determinants of Individual Renewable Energy Support: Empirical Findings for the UK
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Abstract
This chapter empirically investigates the determinants of individuals’ renewable energy support. On the one hand, individuals’ concern regarding short- and long-term increases in electricity prices might have a crucial effect on renewable energy support. On the other hand, since renewable energy support might improve environmental quality, individuals’ concern about climate change is considered to have a positive effect of renewable energy support. In order to analyse these effects, the 13th wave of the DECC Public Attitudes Tracking survey in the UK is utilised. Empirical results reveal that respondents who are more concerned about long-term steep rises in energy prices and climate change are more likely to support renewable energy, while individuals who are more worried about paying their energy bills in the short run are less likely to support renewable energy. The empirical analysis also shows that older individuals are less likely to support renewable energy.
Keywords
Renewable energy support DECC Public Attitudes Tracking survey Economic concern Environmental concern Aging Intergenerational conflictReferences
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