Satisfaction with Media Information about Renewable Energy Investments

Abstract

The strong influence of the media could be leveraged for increasing investments in renewable energy sources (RES), which, in turn, assist the transition to a low-carbon energy system that aligns with renewable energy targets. However, it is not known whether media information facilitates citizens interested in investing. Hence, the aim of this study is to support the decision-making of citizens by improving media information about renewable energy investments. Specific objectives are to measure citizen satisfaction with media information about RES investments and to detect the areas that require immediate attention. To that end, 1536 Greek citizens recruited with simple random sampling were administered structured questionnaires and, to analyze citizen satisfaction, multiple criteria satisfaction analysis was applied. According to results, citizens were not satisfied with media information about RES investments, while the lowest satisfaction was recorded for information about available subsidies for RES investments, as well as changes in the institutional framework. This finding has potentially important implications as inadequate information about investments may prevent interested citizens from investing. Given that investment schemes undergo constant changes and that journalists may not be experts in investments, it is recommended to tailor information to citizens’ understanding and that academics and experts provide the media with simplified information material about RES investments.