Attitude toward and Awareness of Renewable Energy Sources: Hungarian Experience and Special Features

Abstract

The current paper analyzes the awareness of renewable energy sources (RES), the relationship between self-reported and actual knowledge, and the correlation among the knowledge of renewable energy sources, the characteristic stereotypes, and the typical attitude of different social groups to energy, comparing them with international experience. A nationwide representative questionnaire-based survey was carried out involving 1002 people in Hungary in 2019. Better education, a higher income, an active white-collar profession, and a health- and environment-conscious approach to life (LOHAS (lifestyle of health and sustainability) segment) are definitely an advantage when it comes to knowledge of renewable energy sources. No significant relationship was detected in terms of age; however, in cluster formation, young people were typically found to be better informed. Overall, the actual knowledge of the Hungarian respondents is more favorable than the self-reported one, and the basic level of knowledge of energy sources in the case of wind and hydropower exceeds international experience. The social factors of better knowledge essentially correspond to the international trends; however, regarding firewood, solar, and wind energy, the average Hungarian has certain false stereotypes that can be considered typical. The assessment of convenience and that of environmental aspects are almost the same.

Dual Efficiency and Productivity Analysis of Renewable Energy Alternatives of OECD Countries

“…The major types of RE sources are: hydropower, biomass, geothermal, ocean, solar, and wind. [12,13].…”

Awareness of the population in rural regions of Serbia about renewable energy sources

“…Numerous research shows that today renewable energy sources are used to a greater extent in those countries where wider public support has been provided, created or received ( Celikler, 2013;Zakaria , 2018;Szakály 2020;Haber , 2021). Renewable energy can solve numerous environmental problems, reduce poverty rate and increase energy efficiency, but various financial obstacles and investment risks of potential investors hinder its rapid growth (Panaitescu, et al, 2020).…”

“…Public awareness about renewable sources can contribute to social acceptance of projects from this energy sector and overall improvement of consumers' behavior towards energy. Demographic and socio-economic factors can determine someone's (Spyridon, 2014;Assali et al, 2019;Szakály et al, 2020). Implementation development of renewable energy sources depends on geographical location, support and awareness of citizens as well as on policy and strategic decisions made by state and local administration.…”

Bank as a Stakeholder in the Financing of Renewable Energy Sources. Recommendations and Policy Implications for Poland

“…Renewable energy production and consumption are becoming increasingly attractive alternatives due to the engaged financial resources, decreasing production costs, improved efficiency, and changing market conditions [3]. The importance of the problem is confirmed by the number of published scientific papers concerning RES (based on Scopus-179,247 papers as of April 13, 2021, and Web of Science-122,953 papers as of April 13, 2021).…”

“…Although the advantages of using RES are indisputable, the researchers sometimes point to limitations and barriers e.g., of the household sector, concerning the implementation of renewable energy sources for certain countries or regions [3]. Luthra et al (2015) [5], in their research study in India, classified the possible barriers of RES's development into seven dimensions: economic and financial, market, awareness and information, technical, ecological and geographical, cultural and behavioral, and political and government issues.…”