Public Attitudes to and Engagement with Low-Carbon Energy

Purpose of the reportThis study on public attitudes to, and engagement with, low-carbon energy draws together the results of UK-relevant social research and evidence, as of October 2010, in order to inform the RCUK Energy Programme at both strategic and operational levels. Our sources were identified through a systematic search of bibliographic databases and a formal call for evidence issued to practitioners and academics in order to identify non-academic (‘grey’) sources and forthcoming academic publications. The authors are all active in energy social science research.Overview of the report. The report provides an introduction to some of the most relevant social science theory and concepts relating to public engagement (chapter 3), before reviewing findings on attitudes and engagement relating to energy supply, storage and distribution technologies (chapter 4); energy demand attitudes and engagement (chapter 5); and energy systems and research engagement (chapter 6). We also discuss cross-cutting themes, knowledge gaps and recommendations for public engagement in the RCUK Energy Programme.