The Energy Mix: Understanding People’s Diverging Energy Preferences in Belgium

Abstract

To mitigate global climate change, drastic transformations of the energy system are needed. Whereas the public is asked to adapt its energy demand patterns, their perspective is often neglected. In this study, we incorporated a more human-centered dimension into energy research by examining how social characteristics determine the composition of individuals’ preferred energy mix. Previous studies have been mainly limited to the exploration of preferences for one energy system in isolation. Hence, little is known about how various energy sources are combined into various energy mixes. Furthermore, empirical research regarding the heterogeneity of energy preferences often lacks an intersectional approach. Against this background, we used Belgian data from the European Social Survey (N = 1766) to examine the diversity of preferred energy mixes among individuals and how this relates to social characteristics. Specifically, a segmentation analysis was conducted to cluster Belgian respondents into intersectional, meaningful groups related to their preferred energy mixes. The results of the segmentation analysis underpin the existence of vulnerable and privileged groups in the establishment of a green transition. This study highlights the importance of focusing on energy mixes from an intersectional stance, as it provides an excellent tool to uncover the power dynamics underlying an energy transition.