Narratives, expectations, and policy criteria for a democratic and socially engaging energy transition
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Energy transition policies can be translated into narratives about how energy systems should change (e.g., towards a centralised or decentralised system). These narratives tend to reflect expectations, priorities, and perceptions on feasibility and the social acceptability of different policy options, as well as long-term goals and trade-offs, all of which influence policy criteria. Taking as its case study Portugal and the implementation of European directives there, this study aims to characterise energy transition narratives (e.g. a swift transformation to renewables) and interrelated policy criteria (e.g., participation of local communities), focusing on expectations for a socially engaging and democratic energy transition. The analysis builds on the results of a Delphi survey with 10 expert stakeholders, a citizens’ survey (n=500), and a workshop with 19 participants. It identifies the most relevant criteria to stakeholders, as well as the importance of different underlying expectations, meanings, and attitudes shaping narratives about energy system futures. The findings indicate that criteria interrelated to narratives which highlight a promise of democratic energy governance may be less important for energy transition policies, and therefore undermine energy democracy goals. The conclusion highlights suggestions for policy and future research more likely to foster sociopolitical acceptance. • Dominant narratives in Portugal privilege centralisation and a swift transition. • The promise of democratic energy governance less important for energy policies. • Social acceptability, energy democracy criteria related to alternative narratives. • Criteria for social acceptability and energy democracy is easily excluded. • Citizens prioritise solar and wind energy compared to green hydrogen. • Green hydrogen interrelated to narratives of centralisation and growth.
Source: Futures
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,550
Awards: Cenários ambiental e economicamente sustentáveis e baseados nas preferências de partes interessadas, para a transição energética, G2497605823, G2653721415, G2915698581, Instituto Dom Luiz, G4042075918, Instituto Dom Luiz, G4891036402, Energy communities and a socially inclusive transition, Instituto Dom Luiz, G6997658380, G8224346314
OpenAlex ID: W4403839326