Energy Perception Report
18,000 people. Nine countries. Statkraft commissioned research in June 2022 to find out what people in Europe are currently thinking, amongst other topics, about renewable energy, climate change and the current cost of power.
Majority of European consumers want more renewable power to ease climate and affordability concerns
New research into public attitudes and concerns about energy, commissioned by Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable power, found that three quarters of the 18,000+ respondents say they’re worried about the negative effects of climate change, and they want more renewable power to help address their pressing concerns.
In southern European countries where extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent, concern was higher than average – Spanish and Italian respondents were 12 and nine per cent more likely to express worry respectively.
More than two thirds (69%) think renewable power development should be prioritised further considering climate change concerns and the ongoing energy supply crunch. Almost a quarter (23%) said their perception of renewable energy had become more positive in the last six months and overall, an 80% and 87% acceptance rate for onshore wind and solar power development respectively was recorded from the respondents.
More than three in five (61%) say they’re worried that energy supply issues will cause climate change targets to be forgotten. Overall, 80% would like to see initiatives that bring down the cost of bills.
Further, almost three quarters (73%) of the total sample say that the war in Ukraine has made them more worried about the future cost of power. Nearly the same number (74%) say they’re scared at how much their electricity bills will be, with 59% worried that their existing savings will not cover the cost of their bills come winter. Concern about upcoming electricity bill cost was highest in Ireland (86%) and Croatia (81%).
Faster development of renewable energy is needed to allay the triple-threat of climate change, rising cost of living and energy supply concerns. These survey results demonstrate public support for the development of new clean energy and people want their countries to act quickly. By increasing renewable energy capacity and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, European consumers can be protected from market volatility and rising costs.
Key findings
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75%worried about the negative effects of climate change |
76%believe their country should have started investing in renewables “a long time ago” |
74%are worried about the future cost of their energy bills |
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80%acceptance of onshore wind in local communities |
87%acceptance for solar development in their communities |
69%think the expansion of renewable energies should be prioritised further |
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61%worried climate change targets will be “forgotten” |
59%concerned that their savings won’t cover heating bills next winter |
23%say that their perception of renewable energy has shifted over the last six months to become more positive |
Regional press releases
SPAIN: Ocho de cada diez españoles, preocupados por el coste de su factura de la luz
Según la encuesta elaborada por Opinion Matters para Statkraft, que ha consultado a más de 18.700 ciudadanos de nueve países europeos: España, Reino Unido, Alemania, Francia, Italia, Holanda, Irlanda, Noruega y Croacia
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UK: Survey shows majority of British consumers call for more energy independence as affordability becomes key priority
New research into the attitudes and concerns around energy, conducted on behalf of Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable power, found that while climate anxiety is high*, the cost of electricity is also worrying British consumers.
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FRANCE: Enquête d’opinion : Les Français fortement préoccupés par leur avenir énergétique et climatique
Une enquête d’opinion menée auprès de plus de 2,000 français révèle les préoccupations majeures et complexes qui traversent la société française quant à son avenir énergétique et climatique. Les résultats de l’enquête font apparaitre le portrait d’un pays tiraillé entre sentiment d’insécurité énergétique et climatique d’une part, et volonté de bénéficier d’une énergie bon marché d’autre part.
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IRELAND: Ongoing energy crisis pushes climate change down agenda
Cost of living impact of global warming is greatest public fear according to new survey.
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GERMANY: Akzeptanz erneuerbarer Energien wächst weiter – Bürger beim Thema Eigenverantwortung für Klimaschutz gespalten
Die Akzeptanz regenerativer Energiequellen bei den Bürgern in Deutschland wächst weiter. Neben dem Schutz des Klimas ist das gegenwärtige Thema Energiesicherheit Treiber dieser Entwicklung. Dies geht aus einer Umfrage im Auftrag des Energieunternehmens Statkraft hervor, die Ende Mai dieses Jahres unter mehr als 18.000 Menschen in neun europäischen Ländern* (über 2.000 in Deutschland) durchgeführt wurde.
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Contact
Marte Lerberg Kopstad
International Media Relations Lead