Renewable energy applications in Greece—What is the public attitude?

• Published in: Energy policy Vol. 42; pp. 37 - 48
• Main Authors: Kaldellis, J.K., Kapsali, M., Katsanou, Ev
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2012; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Alternative energy; Alternative energy sources; Applied sciences; Attitudes; Economic data; Electric energy; Electric power; Electric power plants; electricity; Energy; Energy consumption; Energy economics; Energy planning; Energy policy; Exact sciences and technology; General, economic and professional studies; Greece; Infrastructure; Natural energy; Photovoltaics; Public knowledge; Public opinion; questionnaires; Renewable energy sources; Renewable resources; Small hydroelectric power plants; Social acceptance; solar energy; Studies; Surveys; wind; Wind energy; Greece; Europe; Small hydroelectric power plants; Wind energy; Photovoltaics; Social acceptability; Awareness; Market penetration; Hydroelectric small power plant; Hydraulic power; Survey; Renewable energy; Solar energy; Electric power production; Photovoltaic generator; Public opinion
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2011.11.017

Large-scale integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) applications is thought to be imperative for Greece in view of meeting the targets of 2020, which dictate that 20% of the national gross energy consumption and 40% of the national gross electricity consumption should be covered by RES. However, availability of suitable sites for the installation of such applications is questioned, since apart from the fact that many locations of high RES potential and adequate infrastructure have already been allocated, the society opposition often sets additional barriers. The present study focuses on the assessment of the levels of social acceptability for selected RES technologies (wind, small hydro and photovoltaics) in a representative region of Southern Greece. The specific area is of major interest since, apart from the operating and scheduled installations of RES applications in the next years, the local population is also familiar with the long-term operation of a lignite-based power station (850MW). One three-part questionnaire has been deployed for conducting the survey based on a representative sample of local inhabitants. According to the results obtained, high levels of acceptability of renewable energy applications have been encountered although the need for additional public information regarding RES exploitation has also been designated. ► This study assesses the levels of social acceptability for several Renewable Energy Sources (RES) technologies. ► The survey was conducted in the wide region of central Peloponnesus (S. Greece). ► The area has already remarkable RES-based installations. ► Respondents are familiar with long-term operation of a lignite-based power station. ► Based on results, high levels of acceptability of RES applications have been recorded.