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Attitude toward and Awareness of Renewable Energy Sources: Hungarian Experience and Special Features

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  • Zoltán Szakály

    (Institute of Marketing and Commerce, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Péter Balogh

    (Department of Research Methodology and Statistics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Enikő Kontor

    (Institute of Marketing and Commerce, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Zoltán Gabnai

    (Department of Business Economics, Institute of Applied Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Attila Bai

    (Department of Business Economics, Institute of Applied Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

Abstract

The current paper analyzes the awareness of renewable energy sources (RES), the relationship between self-reported and actual knowledge, and the correlation among the knowledge of renewable energy sources, the characteristic stereotypes, and the typical attitude of different social groups to energy, comparing them with international experience. A nationwide representative questionnaire-based survey was carried out involving 1002 people in Hungary in 2019. Better education, a higher income, an active white-collar profession, and a health- and environment-conscious approach to life (LOHAS (lifestyle of health and sustainability) segment) are definitely an advantage when it comes to knowledge of renewable energy sources. No significant relationship was detected in terms of age; however, in cluster formation, young people were typically found to be better informed. Overall, the actual knowledge of the Hungarian respondents is more favorable than the self-reported one, and the basic level of knowledge of energy sources in the case of wind and hydropower exceeds international experience. The social factors of better knowledge essentially correspond to the international trends; however, regarding firewood, solar, and wind energy, the average Hungarian has certain false stereotypes that can be considered typical. The assessment of convenience and that of environmental aspects are almost the same.

Suggested Citation

  • Zoltán Szakály & Péter Balogh & Enikő Kontor & Zoltán Gabnai & Attila Bai, 2020. "Attitude toward and Awareness of Renewable Energy Sources: Hungarian Experience and Special Features," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-25, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2020:i:1:p:22-:d:466792
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Iuliana Petronela Gârdan & Adrian Micu & Carmen Adina Paștiu & Angela Eliza Micu & Daniel Adrian Gârdan, 2023. "Consumers’ Attitude towards Renewable Energy in the Context of the Energy Crisis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-31, January.
    3. Phimsupha Kokchang & Yuan Zhao & Suthirat Kittipongvises, 2023. "Understanding Citizens’ Perceptions and Attitudes toward Energy Restructuring under China’s NDC for Quality of Life: A Case of Linfen City," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 13(5), pages 566-576, September.
    4. Almulhim, Abdulaziz I., 2022. "Understanding public awareness and attitudes toward renewable energy resources in Saudi Arabia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C), pages 572-582.
    5. Hadi Fazeli & Mohammad Sadegh Allahyari & Saeid Firouzi & Tarek Ben Hassen & Jhalukpreya Surujlal & Nima Nejadrezaei & Mina Sadeghzadeh, 2023. "Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Students Regarding Renewable Energies in Agriculture in Guilan, Iran," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-16, August.
    6. Ardit Sertolli & Zoltán Gabnai & Péter Lengyel & Attila Bai, 2022. "Biomass Potential and Utilization in Worldwide Research Trends—A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-20, May.

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