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A Multidimensional Evaluation of Renewable and Nuclear Energy among Higher Education Students

Author

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  • László Berényi

    (Institute of Management Science, University of Miskolc, Miskolc 3515, Hungary)

  • Zoltán Birkner

    (Institute of Applied Economics, University of Pannonia, Nagykanizsa 8800, Hungary)

  • Nikolett Deutsch

    (Department of Strategy and Project Management, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest 1093, Hungary)

Abstract

Renewable and nuclear power technologies are considered alternatives to fossil-based power. However, which of the two is superior remains a matter of contention. Besides technological development, local access to resources, and energy policies, social acceptance is a key issue; informing future decisions on energy sources thus requires a complex approach. Personal attitudes to energy technologies may differ from professional opinions and national policies. The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes and opinions regarding renewable and nuclear power generation technologies by pairwise comparison. This evaluation includes the return on the investment, the availability of said technologies, environmental impact, knowledge/need of use, and expectations for future of energy production. The research sample consists of 250 randomly selected Hungarian higher education students as representatives of future corporate decision-makers. The results show that the respondents demonstrate an appreciation of renewable energy technologies. Solar energy is appreciated, but confidence in nuclear power is low, except for its future role. These opinions are not consistent with the national energy policies or professional evaluations. These differences will allow us to refine communication and education in the field.

Suggested Citation

  • László Berényi & Zoltán Birkner & Nikolett Deutsch, 2020. "A Multidimensional Evaluation of Renewable and Nuclear Energy among Higher Education Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:4:p:1449-:d:321083
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    1. Ferenc Bognár & Petra Benedek, 2022. "A Novel AHP-PRISM Risk Assessment Method—An Empirical Case Study in a Nuclear Power Plant," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-15, September.
    2. Ferenc Bognár & Balázs Szentes & Petra Benedek, 2022. "Development of the PRISM Risk Assessment Method Based on a Multiple AHP-TOPSIS Approach," Risks, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Alexander Titov & György Kövér & Katalin Tóth & Géza Gelencsér & Bernadett Horváthné Kovács, 2021. "Acceptance and Potential of Renewable Energy Sources Based on Biomass in Rural Areas of Hungary," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Yoonjung Oh & Seoyong Kim & Sohee Kim, 2022. "Searching for New Human Behavior Model in Explaining Energy Transition: Exploring the Impact of Value and Perception Factors on Inconsistency of Attitude toward Policy Support and Intention to Pay for," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-26, September.
    5. Hazirah H. Zaharuddin & Vani N. Alviani & Mazlina A. Majid & Hiromi Kubota & Noriyoshi Tsuchiya, 2025. "Identifying Factors Influencing Local Acceptance of Renewable Energy Projects: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-19, July.
    6. Máté Zavarkó & Attila R. Imre & Gábor Pörzse & Zoltán Csedő, 2021. "Past, Present and Near Future: An Overview of Closed, Running and Planned Biomethanation Facilities in Europe," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-27, September.

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