What is it about?
While most Europeans strongly support renewable energy, far fewer actually install it at home. This study analyzes survey data from 23,000 households across 27 EU countries during the recent energy crisis to explain this "attitude–behaviour gap." Using a mix of econometrics and machine learning, the findings reveal that positive mindsets are frequently overridden by hard practical constraints—namely upfront costs, homeownership status, and local climate needs. The paper demonstrates why subsidies and policy support must look beyond broad public awareness campaigns and directly target low-income households, renters, seniors, and energy-stressed regions.
Featured Image
Photo by Sander Weeteling on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Exposes the attitude–behaviour gap: Demonstrates that positive public sentiment does not automatically lead to green energy investments. Identifies the real bottlenecks: Confirms that structural barriers (homeownership, regional climate demands, capital costs) override environmental motivation. Delivers targeted policy guidance: Shows why blanket incentives fall short and highlights the need for targeted financial relief for energy-stressed regions, elderly citizens, and lower-income households.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Public attitudes and actions towards renewable energy in the EU countries: A micro-level analysis during the energy crisis, Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Energy, December 2026, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.142989.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
