Restructuring the energy system in line with society.

Acceptance is the make or break of a future energy system. Our energy system can only be restructured if there is broad social acceptance for it, not only regarding energy sources and technologies but also regarding rising prices for fossil fuels, or the social consequences of distribution. Conflicts about these topics have been emerging for years, such as with the installation of new wind turbines, or the high costs of the energy transition and distribution. Another problem is that the acceptance of alternative energy carriers like hydrogen and related technologies, such as electrolyzers and hydrogen vehicles, has not provide widespread. Additionally, in order to effect a successful energy transition, behavior changes must be adopted at a population level. And as always, acceptance can be fragile: though necessary changes may be accepted today, there is the possibility they might not be in the future. 

To facilitate this acceptance, we conduct population surveys at regular intervals to track developments over time and identify trends at an early stage. We are also developing a so-called acceptance indicator that can be used in forward-looking analyses.

(Header: Forschungszentrum Jülich / Sascha Kreklau)