Kursinformation

In this seminar, students learn how to design and implement an empirical research paper with statistical analysis of survey data as their seminar thesis on topics concerning sustainable energy use and acceptance in the European Union. They present and discuss their work during a block seminar. The seminar covers sustainable energy use and acceptance in countries of the European Union. Based on survey data from 23 countries, students will investigate one of the following dimensions of support for sustainable energy that have been grouped into three blocks.

Block I: Individual behavior
Consumption decisions and energy use behavior have a large impact on energy use, but depend on support and effort by many people. Understanding this behavior is important to draft efficient and effective policies.
1. Energy efficient appliances: Much energy can be saved by updating old household appliances. Prices and income as well as environmental concerns may be possible factors.
2. Sustainable energy use behavior: Conserving energy requires time and effort. Education or employment could be related to this behavior.
3. Sustainable energy use potential: Some people feel like they already save as much energy as they can. Is this related to economic factors, or individual values?

Block II: Support for renewable energy source
The transition to sustainable energy sources requires changes to where and how energy is produced, which can impact people’s lives in many different ways. Additionally, people may have different opinions and preferences for new technologies. Factors that influence support for different sources are important for the success of the transition.
4. Support for energy from renewable sources (Solar): Photovoltaic energy regeneration may not be equally profitable for all regions of the EU. What drives public support?
5. Support for energy from renewable sources (Hydrogen): Hydrogen is a promising but not widely implemented renewable energy source. Who is more likely to support it?
6. Support for energy from renewable sources (Wind): Wind farms are changing landscapes all over Europe. Are there regional differences in acceptance?
7. Support for energy from renewable sources (Biomass): Energy generation from biological matter may be more or less preferable to individuals from regions with a
closer connection to agriculture.

Block III: Support for sustainable energy policy
Politicians can choose different policy instruments such as taxes, subsidies and bans to promote efficient and sustainable energy use. Understanding support for those policies can help to better understand which policies are easier to implement, and which groups are more difficult
to convince.
8. Support for renewable energy subsidies: Subsidies may be seen as inefficient or unfair but could be popular with people working in affected industries.
9. Support for banning inefficient appliances: Some people dislike bans out of a preference for free decision making, others may think they are necessary. What could
explain this difference?
10. Support for taxes on fossil fuels: Many people use fossil fuels in transportation or as a source of cheaper energy. Is energy cost, living situation or something else a more important factor?

Students will receive useful source material from the applied scientific literature as well as an introduction to using data and the statistical programming software “R”. The literature and links to data and tutorials will be uploaded after the introduction session to Moodle.