German-Polish Research Project Examines Attitudes Toward the Energy Transition

The energy transition concerns far more than simply technical innovations or economic decisions. It impacts social structures and prompts both individual and collective adaptation processes. With this in mind, the Department of Energy Economics at the FernUniversität in Hagen has initiated a new research project in cooperation with the University of Gdańsk. The project is funded by the German-Polish Science Foundation (DPWS).

The project “Energy Transition and Society: Attitudes Toward the Energy Transition in the Context of Changing Values and Social Trust in Poland and Germany” focuses on the key factors influencing societal acceptance. The analysis examines value orientations, such as openness to change and the desire to preserve the status quo, as well as levels of trust in state institutions and the pervasiveness of conspiracy narratives. In addition, the team is carrying out research into how these factors influence commitment to the energy transition – for example, through individual behavior or support for policy measures.

The project is led by Jun.-Prof. Dr Michael Bucksteeg, Assistant Professor of Business Administration (specializing in energy economics), at the FernUniversität in Hagen, and Dr Anna Maria Nikodemska-Wołowik, Head of the Sustainable Market Processes Department at the University of Gdańsk.

Dr Stefan Poier, who completed his doctorate at the University of Gdańsk and is currently conducting research at the Department of Energy Economics in Hagen, is also closely involved. His focus areas include renewable energy, consumer behavior, and behavioral economics. “The energy transition is not exclusively an ‘environmental issue.’ It also has an economic impact,” explains Poier. “To begin with, the investment costs are high – but this can also present an opportunity for the economy. In the medium to long term, it can pay off for the public.”

The researchers expect to find significant differences between Germany and Poland. Specific working hypotheses are still being developed, but key influencing factors are already becoming apparent. “Socio-economic factors – such as income patterns, educational backgrounds and differences between urban and rural lifestyles – are all likely to play an important role,” said Michael Bucksteeg. In light of this, priorities regarding the energy transition may also differ: While environmental and climate protection issues often take center stage in Germany, the focus in Poland is more on economic development and people’s individual living conditions.

Historical factors also play a role. As Poier states: “Poland used to be part of the Eastern Bloc; today it is considered part of the West. There are indications of a different relationship between the individual and the state – above all, a greater mistrust of the state.”

When it comes to the debate on energy policy, various priorities are evident: In Poland, for example, the use of solar and wind power is growing rapidly, and nuclear power is considered far less controversial than in Germany. “Poland is shifting from coal to renewable energy and incorporating nuclear power,” Bucksteeg explains. “There isn’t just one single energy transition.”

Around 1,000 people in each country are being surveyed as part of the empirical study. The standardized online surveys collect data on attitudes, value orientations and trust structures. In addition, the project team will be making use of extensive secondary data, including already established panel studies such as the European Social Survey. On this basis, the team will develop value profiles for both societies. At the same time, they are creating a project-specific questionnaire.

The first online seminar for students has already been held in Gdańsk. “There are a lot of international students in Gdańsk who have contributed their own perspectives,” explains Stefan Poier. Exchange programs are planned for students at FernUniversität. They can also get involved in the project as part of their final-year projects.

Participants in this project are contributing to social science research into the energy transition and strengthening cooperation between the FernUniversität and the University of Gdańsk. Not only that, the project is laying the groundwork for a follow-up bilateral research program.