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Decentralized Geothermal Energy for Electricity Access: Exploring Knowledge and Social Acceptance in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

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  • Uchechukwu Nwaiwu

    (Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK)

  • Matthew Leach

    (Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK)

  • Lirong Liu

    (Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK)

  • Valentine Seymour

    (Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK)

Abstract

This study examines the constrained social acceptance of small-scale geothermal energy in a rural sub-Saharan region, a critically understudied area, characterised by high energy poverty, heavy dependence on biomass, and suitable for geothermal energy exploration. Small-scale geothermal energy may offer an additional option for decentralised power supply through mini grids. The study investigates public awareness and knowledge level of geothermal energy technologies among the residents of Eka Awoke, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, to assess the potential of the deliberative process to enhance the social acceptance of geothermal energy technologies and the development of an improved participatory framework to aid the discussion. Citizen jury and survey methods, combining qualitative and quantitative research techniques, were employed. This study presents the first in-depth analysis of the social acceptance of small-scale geothermal energy for electricity supply in a rural African context. Pre-deliberative assessments revealed that 36% of the jurors had limited knowledge and expressed environmental concerns. The post-deliberative assessment revealed that over 80% of jurors reported improved understanding and views. The study demonstrates that citizen jury, when combined with surveyed results can serve as a powerful and scalable tool for advancing social acceptance of geothermal energy. These findings provide a solid foundation for policymakers, stakeholders, and energy providers to design more effective communication engagement strategies for sustainable energy transition in the community.

Suggested Citation

  • Uchechukwu Nwaiwu & Matthew Leach & Lirong Liu & Valentine Seymour, 2025. "Decentralized Geothermal Energy for Electricity Access: Exploring Knowledge and Social Acceptance in Ebonyi State, Nigeria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-34, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5455-:d:1678270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cousse, Julia & Trutnevyte, Evelina & Hahnel, Ulf J.J., 2021. "Tell me how you feel about geothermal energy: Affect as a revealing factor of the role of seismic risk on public acceptance," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    2. Pellizzone, Anna & Allansdottir, Agnes & De Franco, Roberto & Muttoni, Giovanni & Manzella, Adele, 2017. "Geothermal energy and the public: A case study on deliberative citizens’ engagement in central Italy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 561-570.
    3. Anastasia Ioannou & Gioia Falcone & Christina Baisch & Georgie Friederichs & Jan Hildebrand, 2023. "A Decision Support Tool for Social Engagement, Alternative Financing and Risk Mitigation of Geothermal Energy Projects," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-25, January.
    4. Marco Segreto & Lucas Principe & Alexandra Desormeaux & Marco Torre & Laura Tomassetti & Patrizio Tratzi & Valerio Paolini & Francesco Petracchini, 2020. "Trends in Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Across Europe—A Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-19, December.
    5. Rahmani, Amir & Mashayekh, Javad & Aboojafari, Roohallah & Bonyadi Naeini, Ali, 2023. "Determinants of households' intention for investment in renewable energy projects," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 823-837.
    6. Dowd, Anne-Maree & Boughen, Naomi & Ashworth, Peta & Carr-Cornish, Simone, 2011. "Geothermal technology in Australia: Investigating social acceptance," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(10), pages 6301-6307, October.
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