Energy Literacy: A Systematic Review of the Scientific Literature

Abstract

Amidst the global energy crisis, governments are pursuing transitions towards low-carbon energy systems. In addition to physical infrastructure, political and regulatory enablers, and knowledge and capacities, changes in the energy systems require an energy-literate citizenship. Energy literacy is the understanding of how energy is generated, transported, stored, distributed, and used; awareness about its environmental and social impacts; and the knowledge to use it efficiently. The objective of the study is to provide a systematic review of the literature concerning energy literacy. In the methodology followed, the 138 papers found were categorized and subcategorized according to the research field and the main research objective, respectively. The papers are later described together with similar studies. Results show that most of the work performed around energy literacy addresses its evaluation among different groups, particularly students at different levels, and the construction, application, and evaluation of tools for improving energy literacy. Also studied are the influence of energy literacy in decision-making, its drivers, and conceptual research about the topic. The discussion highlights the debate on the link between energy-literate persons and efficient energy use, the under-researched areas of energy literacy, and the key role of energy literacy in addressing the energy crisis.

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“…Today, electricity is both a commodity and a strategic service. A lack of it, known as energy poverty, causes extreme difficulties in everyday functioning [2]. In addition, its strategic nature also results from the significant problems in storing electricity.…”

“…Currently, energy production in many places around the world is based on the exploitation of energy resources (coal, natural gas, and crude oil). A significant disadvantage with this solution is the generation of large amounts of waste that pollute the environment through combustion by-products [1][2][3]. This problem has been discussed for many years, resulting in various restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions.…”

“…Moreover, in recent years, further problems have emerged that have impacted energy prices. An example of this was the COVID-19 pandemic because, during it, there were many restrictions related to transport and to ways of working [2,4]. However, no one expected that the current energy crisis would begin with a war in Ukraine [2,4].…”

“…An example of this was the COVID-19 pandemic because, during it, there were many restrictions related to transport and to ways of working [2,4]. However, no one expected that the current energy crisis would begin with a war in Ukraine [2,4]. This conflict caused the prices of raw materials such as natural gas to increase significantly, which resulted in a dynamic increase in electricity prices.…”