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Drivers of people's preferences for spatial proximity to energy infrastructure technologies: a cross-country analysis

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  • Harold, Jason
  • Bertsch, Valentin
  • Lawrence, Thomas
  • Hall, Magie

Abstract

Many countries plan to decarbonise their energy systems by increasing energy efficiency and expanding the use of renewable energy sources (RES). Such actions require significant investments in new energy infrastructures. While people are generally accepting of these infrastructures, opposition sometimes arises when these developments are sited at close proximity to people's residences. Therefore, it is important to understand what actually drives people's preferences for spatial proximity to different energy infrastructure technologies. This study examines the factors influencing people's proximity preferences to a range of different energy technologies using a cross-country econometric analysis of the stated preference data from an unprecedented survey conducted on nationally representative samples of the population in Ireland, the U.S. and Germany. The survey involved more than 4,500 participants in total. This paper presents the data and selected results from a generalised ordered logit model for each energy technology surveyed. These are; wind turbines, solar power technology, biomass power plant, coal-fired power plant and natural gas power plant. The results show that, in general, German and Irish citizens are willing to accept energy infrastructures at smaller distances to their homes than their U.S. counterparts. Moreover, attitudinal factors are found to shape people's preferences more consistently than any of the socio-demographic characteristics.
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  • Harold, Jason & Bertsch, Valentin & Lawrence, Thomas & Hall, Magie, 2018. "Drivers of people's preferences for spatial proximity to energy infrastructure technologies: a cross-country analysis," Papers WP583, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:esr:wpaper:wp583
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    Cited by:

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    2. Plaga, Leonie Sara & Lynch, Muireann & Curtis, John & Bertsch, Valentin, 2024. "How public acceptance affects power system development—A cross-country analysis for wind power," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 359(C).
    3. David Huckebrink & Valentin Bertsch, 2021. "Integrating Behavioural Aspects in Energy System Modelling—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-26, July.
    4. Tong Koecklin, Manuel & Fitiwi, Desta & de Carolis, Joseph F. & Curtis, John, 2020. "Renewable electricity generation and transmission network developments in light of public opposition: Insights from Ireland," Papers WP653, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
    5. Valentin Bertsch & Valeria Di Cosmo, 2018. "Are Renewables Profitable in 2030? A Comparison between Wind and Solar across Europe," Working Papers 2018.28, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
    6. Bertsch, Valentin & Di Cosmo, Valeria, 2020. "Are renewables profitable in 2030 and do they reduce carbon emissions effectively? A comparison across Europe," MPRA Paper 101822, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    7. Ladenburg, Jacob & Kim, Jiwon & Zuch, Matteo & Soytas, Ugur, 2024. "Taking the carbon capture and storage, wind power, PV or other renewable technology path to fight climate change? Exploring the acceptance of climate change mitigation technologies – A Danish national," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).

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