Energy mix and social acceptance

The implementation of this transition requires not only technical and economic decisions, but also social acceptance. Many scenarios for changing the energy mix proposed by governments, institutions and investment lobbies often do not take into account the social context of acceptance of proposed policies, nor are they interested in giving consumers the keys to form an informed opinion. However, the technical feasibility and social effectiveness of the energy transition   requires the mobilization of economic actors, human resources, and civil society organizations to ensure the greatest possible consultation, and the co-shaping of the new energy environment. Public awareness of the importance of new projects mainly goes through the involvement of local communities in the planning and decision-making processes enhancing the sense of ownership, protection of the environment, cultural values and meaningful job creation. Social acceptance is a cornerstone for the success of energy transformation. The absence of a positive collective opinion often jeopardises the implementation of new technologies, the deployment of energy production infrastructure and the sustainability of investments. It is therefore clear that it is necessary to take into account the strengths and intrinsic weaknesses of the various components of the energy mix.

The general acceptance picture of renewables is extremely high, but their local acceptance differs significantly to the extent that certain disadvantages of the components of the energy mix lead to new energy dependencies or distortions because they have been underestimated or ignored in the first place. The social objections also concern soil pollution, the impact on the landscape and rural industrialization, as well as the huge volume of concrete and metals required for the construction and operation of renewables in relation to the electricity produced. At present, the recycling of these materials is limited and has not been included in the cost chain of the renewable energy source in question.  The integration of conventional photovoltaic systems into building structures has an impact on the visual harmony of the built environment. When these systems are placed over large areas of mountain slopes or valleys, they can be perceived as intrusive and are a cause for concern for countries wishing to preserve their agricultural heritage. Similarly, the visual impact of wind turbines, and noise pollution, are an issue in residential areas and sensitive natural spaces.

In this context, nuclear energy remains a certified technological solution that produces large amounts of electricity, with normality and high energy intensity. However, it is a proven and controlled form of energy that contrasts with the intermittent and unpredictable energy of renewables. It consumes very little space per kilowatt hour, which is a significant advantage given the problems of artificial exploitation of land and the difficulties of creating industrial spaces. Nuclear energy is also very economical in materials, drastically limiting the use of mineral resources and strategic metals. But it raises concerns that affect its social acceptance of nuclear accidents, radioactive waste and potential health impacts. The entry of small modular reactors (SMRs) will positively affect the public's treatment, as will the next stage of fusion for an almost unlimited and clean energy source with minimal radioactive waste compared to nuclear fission.

By focusing solely on traditional supply dependencies linked to fossil fuels, we risk overlooking for a long time to see the new dependencies on strategic metals and materials resulting from the massive deployment of renewables.

"TA NEA -  Εντυπη Εκδοση - Οικονομία - March 22, 2025"  

Yannis Bassias and Michalis Vakaloulis - Translation from Greek

Ενεργειακό μείγμα και κοινωνική αποδοχή - ΤΑ ΝΕΑ