G. de Vries
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1
Public communication is a strategic tool employed by governments and organizations to influence behavior, advance policy goals, and address societal challenges. Its effectiveness depends not only on message delivery but also on systematic evaluation. This chapter emphasizes the importance of quantitative methods – such as experiments, surveys, and metrics – for generating reliable evidence on communication outcomes. Evaluation frameworks, including ex ante, ex durante, monitoring, and ex post assessments, provide critical insights into campaign design, implementation, and impact. By measuring indicators like reach, engagement, and behavioral change, evaluation enables policymakers to refine strategies, allocate resources effectively, and ensure accountability. The growing role of digital platforms and social media expands opportunities for engagement but also introduces challenges, such as inconsistent metrics, privacy concerns, and echo chambers. To address these complexities, organizations must strengthen evaluation capacity, adopt unified frameworks, and apply advanced statistical methods. Robust evaluation ultimately enhances trust, transparency, and the societal impact of public communication.
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Public communication is a strategic tool employed by governments and organizations to influence behavior, advance policy goals, and address societal challenges. Its effectiveness depends not only on message delivery but also on systematic evaluation. This chapter emphasizes the importance of quantitative methods – such as experiments, surveys, and metrics – for generating reliable evidence on communication outcomes. Evaluation frameworks, including ex ante, ex durante, monitoring, and ex post assessments, provide critical insights into campaign design, implementation, and impact. By measuring indicators like reach, engagement, and behavioral change, evaluation enables policymakers to refine strategies, allocate resources effectively, and ensure accountability. The growing role of digital platforms and social media expands opportunities for engagement but also introduces challenges, such as inconsistent metrics, privacy concerns, and echo chambers. To address these complexities, organizations must strengthen evaluation capacity, adopt unified frameworks, and apply advanced statistical methods. Robust evaluation ultimately enhances trust, transparency, and the societal impact of public communication.
The potential of geothermal energy is not parallel with the amount of its production due to several factors. Although technical, financial, and regulatory challenges are often cited, this paper highlights the critical role of indigenous perceptions and cultural–religious framing in shaping local responses to geothermal energy initiatives. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in South Sumatera–home to Indonesia’s most promising geothermal reserves–this study explores how local cultural and religious values interrupt people's perception and reactions to the implementation of geothermal energy. In-depth interviews conducted within participants’ homes provided nuanced insights into the socio-cultural context. Findings reveal that the economic, environmental, and quality-of-life concerns are deeply embedded in the Tunggu Tubang tradition, which prohibits the ancestral land from being traded. This cultural framework influences how local people interpret change, evaluate risks, and determine a meaningful future, including the adoption of new energy resources. We described the local culture and religious values that shape the perceptions and frames surrounding geothermal energy, offering implications for more culturally attuned energy policy and implementation strategies.
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The potential of geothermal energy is not parallel with the amount of its production due to several factors. Although technical, financial, and regulatory challenges are often cited, this paper highlights the critical role of indigenous perceptions and cultural–religious framing in shaping local responses to geothermal energy initiatives. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in South Sumatera–home to Indonesia’s most promising geothermal reserves–this study explores how local cultural and religious values interrupt people's perception and reactions to the implementation of geothermal energy. In-depth interviews conducted within participants’ homes provided nuanced insights into the socio-cultural context. Findings reveal that the economic, environmental, and quality-of-life concerns are deeply embedded in the Tunggu Tubang tradition, which prohibits the ancestral land from being traded. This cultural framework influences how local people interpret change, evaluate risks, and determine a meaningful future, including the adoption of new energy resources. We described the local culture and religious values that shape the perceptions and frames surrounding geothermal energy, offering implications for more culturally attuned energy policy and implementation strategies.
Culture in geothermal energy research
A systematic literature review
Culture is increasingly recognised as shaping public perceptions of energy technologies, yet its role in geothermal energy development remains poorly understood. This systematic review examines how culture is conceptualised, operationalised and studied in geothermal energy research to understand its influence on public perceptions and project development. Two research questions guide the structure of the review: how culture is defined, delineated and studied in geothermal energy contexts, and what empirical insights exist regarding culture's influence on public perceptions. Analysis of 29 peer-reviewed papers shows that culture is broadly described rather than analytically operationalised, with limited definitional consensus. Through thematic analysis, the empirical papers reveal two pathways through which culture shapes perceptions of geothermal projects. The culture-driven pathway highlights how pre-existing cultural frameworks shape perceptions through experiences of the underground, place-based identities, governance traditions, and historical experiences. The project-driven pathway illustrates how geothermal developments impact and transform culture through identity erosion, new cultural practices, and trade-offs between economic benefits and cultural preservation. The findings challenge the view that culture is a barrier, demonstrating that it can support energy transitions. Critical research gaps include the need for systematic frameworks to measure local culture, a cross-regional comparison of the influence of local culture on communities' perceptions of energy projects and how project developers' cultural assumptions shape energy projects. These insights can inform culturally sensitive community engagement for just energy transitions.
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Culture is increasingly recognised as shaping public perceptions of energy technologies, yet its role in geothermal energy development remains poorly understood. This systematic review examines how culture is conceptualised, operationalised and studied in geothermal energy research to understand its influence on public perceptions and project development. Two research questions guide the structure of the review: how culture is defined, delineated and studied in geothermal energy contexts, and what empirical insights exist regarding culture's influence on public perceptions. Analysis of 29 peer-reviewed papers shows that culture is broadly described rather than analytically operationalised, with limited definitional consensus. Through thematic analysis, the empirical papers reveal two pathways through which culture shapes perceptions of geothermal projects. The culture-driven pathway highlights how pre-existing cultural frameworks shape perceptions through experiences of the underground, place-based identities, governance traditions, and historical experiences. The project-driven pathway illustrates how geothermal developments impact and transform culture through identity erosion, new cultural practices, and trade-offs between economic benefits and cultural preservation. The findings challenge the view that culture is a barrier, demonstrating that it can support energy transitions. Critical research gaps include the need for systematic frameworks to measure local culture, a cross-regional comparison of the influence of local culture on communities' perceptions of energy projects and how project developers' cultural assumptions shape energy projects. These insights can inform culturally sensitive community engagement for just energy transitions.
Sharing neighbourhood charging points
Surveying communication and agreements between electric vehicle drivers in the Netherlands
Public charging points in neighbourhoods are essential for charging electric vehicles (EVs). Efficient use of these shared charging points requires cooperation from neighbours. Communication and agreements between neighbours regarding the use of charging points are important for cooperation, yet have received little attention in research. Therefore, we aimed to explore the extent to which residents communicate with their neighbours about the use of public residential charging points, whether they (want to) make agreements about their use, the types of agreements that they (want to) make, and the social-psychological factors that determine whether they (want to) make agreements. We analysed responses from an online survey of EV drivers in the Netherlands who charge at public residential charging points in their neighbourhood (N = 314). We found that few residents communicate with their neighbours regarding the use of the charging points, such as sending messages via their mobile phone. We identified an intention–behaviour gap for making agreements: although very few residents had made agreements, many more want to do so. Most want to make agreements about communication with their neighbours or about moving a vehicle from the charging point after it has been charged. Residents who made agreements with neighbours perceived greater social interdependence with their neighbours than residents who did not, and interpersonal trust and perceived social interdependence explained wanting to make agreements. We recommend that municipalities and charging point operators inform, encourage, and facilitate EV drivers in making agreements about sharing public residential charging points with their neighbours.
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Public charging points in neighbourhoods are essential for charging electric vehicles (EVs). Efficient use of these shared charging points requires cooperation from neighbours. Communication and agreements between neighbours regarding the use of charging points are important for cooperation, yet have received little attention in research. Therefore, we aimed to explore the extent to which residents communicate with their neighbours about the use of public residential charging points, whether they (want to) make agreements about their use, the types of agreements that they (want to) make, and the social-psychological factors that determine whether they (want to) make agreements. We analysed responses from an online survey of EV drivers in the Netherlands who charge at public residential charging points in their neighbourhood (N = 314). We found that few residents communicate with their neighbours regarding the use of the charging points, such as sending messages via their mobile phone. We identified an intention–behaviour gap for making agreements: although very few residents had made agreements, many more want to do so. Most want to make agreements about communication with their neighbours or about moving a vehicle from the charging point after it has been charged. Residents who made agreements with neighbours perceived greater social interdependence with their neighbours than residents who did not, and interpersonal trust and perceived social interdependence explained wanting to make agreements. We recommend that municipalities and charging point operators inform, encourage, and facilitate EV drivers in making agreements about sharing public residential charging points with their neighbours.
Moving your electric car for others
Identifying injunctive norms for sharing public charging points
Public charging points are essential for the transition to electric mobility, but there is a lack of knowledge on electric vehicle (EV) drivers’ perceptions of explicit social norms regarding the appropriate usage of these shared charging points. Communicating to EV drivers how other EV drivers believe that public charging points should be used could improve the use of charging points and the development of social norm interventions. Hence, we aim to identify the injunctive norms for sharing public charging points from the perspective of EV drivers. We analysed responses from EV drivers to an open survey question about their perception of appropriate social behaviour at public charging points. We coded responses deductively with a set of previously identified prosocial charging behaviours and inductively to identify additional prosocial charging behaviours. Respondents (N = 246) referred to 11 different behaviours. The main injunctive norm is to move a fully or sufficiently charged vehicle from the charging spot after charging. Two less relevant injunctive norms are interpersonal interactions between EV drivers, such as contacting other charging point users about the charging point by sharing contact details and using apps, and charging only when necessary or only charging the necessary energy. Additionally, for these three injunctive norms, we coded details mentioned by respondents, such as motivations and considerations. We recommend that municipal policymakers and charge point operators make the social context of charging at public charging points salient in their communication, facilitate social interaction, and avoid communication on ambiguous behaviours.
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Public charging points are essential for the transition to electric mobility, but there is a lack of knowledge on electric vehicle (EV) drivers’ perceptions of explicit social norms regarding the appropriate usage of these shared charging points. Communicating to EV drivers how other EV drivers believe that public charging points should be used could improve the use of charging points and the development of social norm interventions. Hence, we aim to identify the injunctive norms for sharing public charging points from the perspective of EV drivers. We analysed responses from EV drivers to an open survey question about their perception of appropriate social behaviour at public charging points. We coded responses deductively with a set of previously identified prosocial charging behaviours and inductively to identify additional prosocial charging behaviours. Respondents (N = 246) referred to 11 different behaviours. The main injunctive norm is to move a fully or sufficiently charged vehicle from the charging spot after charging. Two less relevant injunctive norms are interpersonal interactions between EV drivers, such as contacting other charging point users about the charging point by sharing contact details and using apps, and charging only when necessary or only charging the necessary energy. Additionally, for these three injunctive norms, we coded details mentioned by respondents, such as motivations and considerations. We recommend that municipal policymakers and charge point operators make the social context of charging at public charging points salient in their communication, facilitate social interaction, and avoid communication on ambiguous behaviours.
Predicting the community acceptance of airborne wind energy with the integrated acceptance model
Insights from two test sites
Journal article
(2026)
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Helena Schmidt, Florian J.Y. Müller, Valentin Leschinger, Gerdien de Vries, Roland Schmehl, Reint Jan Renes, Gundula Hübner
Airborne wind energy (AWE) harnesses higher-altitude winds using kites to generate renewable electricity. As AWE technologies move closer to potential commercialization, understanding how local communities interact with and are affected by these technologies is crucial for socially responsible deployment. Identifying key predictors of community acceptance can help develop targeted measures to address potential impacts while the technology is still adaptable. This study tested the Integrated Acceptance Model (IAM) on survey data from two European AWE test sites. A linear regression analysis revealed that two of the five explanatory variables significantly predicted acceptance: perceived site impacts (e.g., sound emissions, landscape changes, and aviation lights), as well as developer transparency and fairness in site operations. In contrast, attitudes toward the energy transition, perceived economic impacts, and social norms did not predict acceptance. These findings suggest that while AWE developers prioritize technical challenges, attention must also be given to social factors, such as minimizing impacts and ensuring transparent and fair implementation. The results also have important policy implications, highlighting the need for AWE-specific regulations and socially responsible planning practices. Further research is required to investigate additional acceptance predictors, especially if AWE technologies continue to develop toward commercial applications.
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Airborne wind energy (AWE) harnesses higher-altitude winds using kites to generate renewable electricity. As AWE technologies move closer to potential commercialization, understanding how local communities interact with and are affected by these technologies is crucial for socially responsible deployment. Identifying key predictors of community acceptance can help develop targeted measures to address potential impacts while the technology is still adaptable. This study tested the Integrated Acceptance Model (IAM) on survey data from two European AWE test sites. A linear regression analysis revealed that two of the five explanatory variables significantly predicted acceptance: perceived site impacts (e.g., sound emissions, landscape changes, and aviation lights), as well as developer transparency and fairness in site operations. In contrast, attitudes toward the energy transition, perceived economic impacts, and social norms did not predict acceptance. These findings suggest that while AWE developers prioritize technical challenges, attention must also be given to social factors, such as minimizing impacts and ensuring transparent and fair implementation. The results also have important policy implications, highlighting the need for AWE-specific regulations and socially responsible planning practices. Further research is required to investigate additional acceptance predictors, especially if AWE technologies continue to develop toward commercial applications.
This paper presents a general epistemic workflow for behavioural inference in agent-based models under structural-parametric uncertainty by combining participatory and inverse modelling. This replicable computational pipeline enhances model realism, results explainability, and interpretability by integrating domain expertise. We apply our method to study Dutch EV charging behaviour. Using behavioural domain expertise, we co-design experiments and interpret alternative behavioural dynamics evaluated through inverse modelling in a structural-parametric pipeline. Public EV charging demand over a week in Den Haag is matched by simulating demand in an existing model of EV charging behaviour. Our method reveals that EV charging is largely driven by range anxiety or a lack of consideration for the availability of excess energy in the grid. While our behavioural findings are case-specific, the workflow is applicable to any agent-based model with ambiguous behavioural mechanisms and suitable for feeding back into theory, scrutinising formalisation, identifying areas for model improvement, and raising considerations for policy.
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This paper presents a general epistemic workflow for behavioural inference in agent-based models under structural-parametric uncertainty by combining participatory and inverse modelling. This replicable computational pipeline enhances model realism, results explainability, and interpretability by integrating domain expertise. We apply our method to study Dutch EV charging behaviour. Using behavioural domain expertise, we co-design experiments and interpret alternative behavioural dynamics evaluated through inverse modelling in a structural-parametric pipeline. Public EV charging demand over a week in Den Haag is matched by simulating demand in an existing model of EV charging behaviour. Our method reveals that EV charging is largely driven by range anxiety or a lack of consideration for the availability of excess energy in the grid. While our behavioural findings are case-specific, the workflow is applicable to any agent-based model with ambiguous behavioural mechanisms and suitable for feeding back into theory, scrutinising formalisation, identifying areas for model improvement, and raising considerations for policy.
Energy justice and citizens' willingness to participate
A discrete choice experiment in a Mexico-United States cross-border region
Citizen participation in energy transitions is needed to address energy injustices. Yet, the effect of energy justice on citizens' willingness to participate remains untested. This study examines whether citizens are more inclined to participate in local energy projects that consider justice factors or not. A representative survey collected data ( N = 768) from a Mexico-US cross-border region. We applied a Discrete Choice Experiment, using a Multinomial Logit Model for aggregate preferences and a Latent Class Choice Model to identify preference variation across citizen types. Interestingly, findings show that especially vulnerable groups and youth expressed greater willingness to participate as local leaders in projects prioritizing distributional justice (i.e., targeting energy-poor households) and procedural justice (i.e., involving civil organizations and multiple governance levels in decision making). This contrasts with common assumptions that vulnerable groups are disinterested in, or insufficiently informed about, participation in the energy transition. Our findings suggest that justice-informed project design may foster broader citizen engagement. The participation, and leadership, of vulnerable groups can be enabled when formal institutions recognize and engage with existing organizations representing these groups, such as traditional Indigenous authorities.
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Citizen participation in energy transitions is needed to address energy injustices. Yet, the effect of energy justice on citizens' willingness to participate remains untested. This study examines whether citizens are more inclined to participate in local energy projects that consider justice factors or not. A representative survey collected data ( N = 768) from a Mexico-US cross-border region. We applied a Discrete Choice Experiment, using a Multinomial Logit Model for aggregate preferences and a Latent Class Choice Model to identify preference variation across citizen types. Interestingly, findings show that especially vulnerable groups and youth expressed greater willingness to participate as local leaders in projects prioritizing distributional justice (i.e., targeting energy-poor households) and procedural justice (i.e., involving civil organizations and multiple governance levels in decision making). This contrasts with common assumptions that vulnerable groups are disinterested in, or insufficiently informed about, participation in the energy transition. Our findings suggest that justice-informed project design may foster broader citizen engagement. The participation, and leadership, of vulnerable groups can be enabled when formal institutions recognize and engage with existing organizations representing these groups, such as traditional Indigenous authorities.
Journal article
(2025)
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Femke Bekius, Jaap van der Waerden, Gerdien de Vries, Rob van der Heijden, Josefa Janssen
Developments to promote sustainable mobility require active and effective public participation projects in which the form of participation (e.g., consulting citizens), the objective of the project (e.g. harnessing local knowledge), and the indicators to assess if the project was effective (e.g., participants’ evaluations) are aligned. In practice, this alignment seems to be rare, but scientific research backing up this claim is lacking. For this scoping review, we have collected and analyzed peer-reviewed case studies on public participation projects for sustainable mobility in 14 countries. Per case, we identified forms, objectives, and effectiveness indicators and assessed their level of alignment. Our main findings show a wide variety of participation forms, of which consultation was the most dominant. Cases also often had multiple objectives, and many projects included measures to evaluate their effectiveness. Most relevant and in line with what we assumed, almost all of the projects demonstrated a degree of misalignment between objectives and effectiveness evaluation standards. Although these results do not imply that public participation projects in sustainable mobility are not effective, it does seem to suggest that participation can benefit from a more structured and aligned approach.
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Developments to promote sustainable mobility require active and effective public participation projects in which the form of participation (e.g., consulting citizens), the objective of the project (e.g. harnessing local knowledge), and the indicators to assess if the project was effective (e.g., participants’ evaluations) are aligned. In practice, this alignment seems to be rare, but scientific research backing up this claim is lacking. For this scoping review, we have collected and analyzed peer-reviewed case studies on public participation projects for sustainable mobility in 14 countries. Per case, we identified forms, objectives, and effectiveness indicators and assessed their level of alignment. Our main findings show a wide variety of participation forms, of which consultation was the most dominant. Cases also often had multiple objectives, and many projects included measures to evaluate their effectiveness. Most relevant and in line with what we assumed, almost all of the projects demonstrated a degree of misalignment between objectives and effectiveness evaluation standards. Although these results do not imply that public participation projects in sustainable mobility are not effective, it does seem to suggest that participation can benefit from a more structured and aligned approach.
Workflows, Data and Modelling Technologies for Geothermal Heat Exploration
From Industry Standard to State-of-the-Art
Conference paper
(2025)
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L. Janku, G. Hampson, P. Bruna, H. Guðmundsdóttir, T. Fischer, G. de Vries, S. Bakrac, P. Haffinger, V. Nogales, L. Tryggvadóttir, A. Peterhaensel, H. Claridge, S. Geiger, F. Dekker, M. Bentley, T. Wynn, A. Babasafari, Matthew Jackson, A. Daniilidis, B. Lamy-Chappuis, P. Jimenez Hernandez, T. Driesner, C. Glaas, J. Vlček
High technical and economic risks stemming from the lack of detailed knowledge of the subsurface hold back large-scale investments in geothermal energy. In a survey conducted on nine use cases from diverse geological settings across Europe and with different purposes (electricity/heating and cooling) and project objectives (scientific/commercial), we identify the “common practice” and the aspiration for the “state of the art” in geothermal exploration. For each use case, the survey investigates what workflows have been adopted and what data acquired by which methods at different stages of exploration. This provided a benchmark for exploration in a range geothermal play types. The survey shows that this industry-standard base-case can be adapted to improve exploration success and efficiency by (1) applying numerical modelling in early stages of exploration to guide strategic data collection, (2) novel application of innovative technologies and (3) closer integration of software tools for static geological interpretation and dynamic heat flow simulation.
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High technical and economic risks stemming from the lack of detailed knowledge of the subsurface hold back large-scale investments in geothermal energy. In a survey conducted on nine use cases from diverse geological settings across Europe and with different purposes (electricity/heating and cooling) and project objectives (scientific/commercial), we identify the “common practice” and the aspiration for the “state of the art” in geothermal exploration. For each use case, the survey investigates what workflows have been adopted and what data acquired by which methods at different stages of exploration. This provided a benchmark for exploration in a range geothermal play types. The survey shows that this industry-standard base-case can be adapted to improve exploration success and efficiency by (1) applying numerical modelling in early stages of exploration to guide strategic data collection, (2) novel application of innovative technologies and (3) closer integration of software tools for static geological interpretation and dynamic heat flow simulation.
Underestimating terrorism threat
How alerts can lead to unrealistic optimism
This theoretical paper aims to unravel the psychological mechanisms explaining how terrorism threat alerts can lead to public underestimation of the risk of a terrorist attack. We discuss, compare and critique a large variety of literature from psychology, public administration, and communication science. We found that throughout the world, people find threat alerts confusing. We provide an extensive psychological explanation of how confusion can lead to optimism bias and, ultimately, to underestimating terrorism threats. Literature suggests implementing three design elements to reduce the confusion that current (leveled) threat alerts create: keep it simple, call for action, and make international agreements for standardization. We discuss these practical design suggestions and give detailed directions for future research to assess the impact of terrorism threat alerts empirically.
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This theoretical paper aims to unravel the psychological mechanisms explaining how terrorism threat alerts can lead to public underestimation of the risk of a terrorist attack. We discuss, compare and critique a large variety of literature from psychology, public administration, and communication science. We found that throughout the world, people find threat alerts confusing. We provide an extensive psychological explanation of how confusion can lead to optimism bias and, ultimately, to underestimating terrorism threats. Literature suggests implementing three design elements to reduce the confusion that current (leveled) threat alerts create: keep it simple, call for action, and make international agreements for standardization. We discuss these practical design suggestions and give detailed directions for future research to assess the impact of terrorism threat alerts empirically.
Towards Conceptual-Model Based Exploration and Appraisal of Geothermal Resources
The FindHeat Project
Conference paper
(2025)
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S. Geiger, A. Daniilidis, T. Driesner, B. Lamy-Chappuis, A. Grayver, L. Janku, J. Vlček, T. Fischer, P. Hernandez, A. Garcia Craviotto, P. Doulgeris, P. Haffinger, P. Bruna, S. Bakrac, A. Babasafari, A. Peterhaensel, M. Bentley, T. Wynn, H. Guðmundsdóttir, L. Tryggvadóttir, Carole Glaas, C. Baujard, A. Genter, G. de Vries, F. Dekker, H. Claridge, V. Nogales Herrera, G. Hampson, M. Jackson, C. Jacquemyn
To enable reliable exploration strategies for geothermal energy that have inherently lower economic and technical risks and hence increase public support, the multi-national, multi-disciplinary, and publicly funded FindHeat project is developing a novel, conceptual model-based geothermal exploration workflow. This workflow specifically focuses on faster turnaround times for exploration and appraisal of geothermal resources, making better use of legacy data and non-invasive geophysical techniques, and constraining uncertainties with respect to the size of the heat source and the range of possible heat production rates. Comprehensive social science research complements the technical work to set the foundation for new communication strategies that allow geothermal operators to earn the public trust that improved geothermal exploration and appraisal will lead to a more efficient and sustainable exploitation of geothermal energy. The workflow is being tested and validated at eight geologically diverse geothermal plays situated in Iceland, France, UK, Spain, and Netherlands, which allows us to demonstrate its economic and technical benefits as well as its societal impact.
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To enable reliable exploration strategies for geothermal energy that have inherently lower economic and technical risks and hence increase public support, the multi-national, multi-disciplinary, and publicly funded FindHeat project is developing a novel, conceptual model-based geothermal exploration workflow. This workflow specifically focuses on faster turnaround times for exploration and appraisal of geothermal resources, making better use of legacy data and non-invasive geophysical techniques, and constraining uncertainties with respect to the size of the heat source and the range of possible heat production rates. Comprehensive social science research complements the technical work to set the foundation for new communication strategies that allow geothermal operators to earn the public trust that improved geothermal exploration and appraisal will lead to a more efficient and sustainable exploitation of geothermal energy. The workflow is being tested and validated at eight geologically diverse geothermal plays situated in Iceland, France, UK, Spain, and Netherlands, which allows us to demonstrate its economic and technical benefits as well as its societal impact.
Understanding slow progress on urban climate adaptation
An empirical analysis of behavioural dynamics in Dutch policymaking
Urban areas face an increasing urgency to adapt to climate change, yet adaptation efforts remain insufficient. Addressing this adaptation gap requires an understanding of the psychological mechanisms and contextual influences shaping climate adaptation behaviour. Whereas behavioural scientists have explored citizens’ climate adaptation behaviours, the decision-making of policymakers is often overlooked despite its importance in closing the adaptation gap. To address this, we conducted a behavioural systems analysis to uncover behavioural dynamics that shape policymakers' decision-making, based on 32 semi-struct ured interviews and a workshop with Dutch urban climate adaptation policymakers. Combing thematic and content analysis with behavioural system mapping, our results highlight the importance of an integrated, dynamic system approach to understand psychological and contextual influences on policymakers' decision-making. We identified nine central themes reflecting key behavioural dynamics: reliance on precedents; fragmented roles and responsibilities; habitual thinking based on longstanding processes; policy stringency, clarity and process; conflicting political priorities; importance of individuals; externally-motivated action; illusion of local actor engagement; moving from awareness creation to mainstreaming. Furthermore, analysis of behavioural influences using the Theoretical Domains Framework identified policymakers’ beliefs about consequences, environmental context and resources, and goals as most influential determinants of behaviour. Behavioural system mapping revealed three impactful levers for interventions, namely supporting precedent identification, stimulating information gathering, and boosting mainstreaming processes, to improve decision-making in urban climate adaptation. By integrating behavioural insights and systems analysis, this work proposes a novel approach to analyse contextual, dynamic influences and determinants of behaviour that shape adaptation policymaking. Therefore, it aligns with recent calls from behavioural scientists highlighting the need for systemic approaches in behavioural science.
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Urban areas face an increasing urgency to adapt to climate change, yet adaptation efforts remain insufficient. Addressing this adaptation gap requires an understanding of the psychological mechanisms and contextual influences shaping climate adaptation behaviour. Whereas behavioural scientists have explored citizens’ climate adaptation behaviours, the decision-making of policymakers is often overlooked despite its importance in closing the adaptation gap. To address this, we conducted a behavioural systems analysis to uncover behavioural dynamics that shape policymakers' decision-making, based on 32 semi-struct ured interviews and a workshop with Dutch urban climate adaptation policymakers. Combing thematic and content analysis with behavioural system mapping, our results highlight the importance of an integrated, dynamic system approach to understand psychological and contextual influences on policymakers' decision-making. We identified nine central themes reflecting key behavioural dynamics: reliance on precedents; fragmented roles and responsibilities; habitual thinking based on longstanding processes; policy stringency, clarity and process; conflicting political priorities; importance of individuals; externally-motivated action; illusion of local actor engagement; moving from awareness creation to mainstreaming. Furthermore, analysis of behavioural influences using the Theoretical Domains Framework identified policymakers’ beliefs about consequences, environmental context and resources, and goals as most influential determinants of behaviour. Behavioural system mapping revealed three impactful levers for interventions, namely supporting precedent identification, stimulating information gathering, and boosting mainstreaming processes, to improve decision-making in urban climate adaptation. By integrating behavioural insights and systems analysis, this work proposes a novel approach to analyse contextual, dynamic influences and determinants of behaviour that shape adaptation policymaking. Therefore, it aligns with recent calls from behavioural scientists highlighting the need for systemic approaches in behavioural science.
Sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations
Reviewing research, market and societal trends
Review
(2025)
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Sandra Hasanefendic, Martin Bloemendal, Bart Bossink, More Authors..., Olindo Isabella, Tamás Keviczky, Mohammad Khosravi, Thaleia Konstantinou, Erwin Mlecnik, Rudi Santbergen, Philip J. Vardon, Gerdien de Vries
Research into the impact of innovative sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations is crucial to diversifying, scaling up, and accelerating the sustainable energy transition. Although there is vast research into sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations, research literature offers a fragmented collection of findings. A coherent overview of themes and insights regarding the transformative impact of innovative sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations on sustainable energy systems from the past, present, and near future is lacking and necessary to increase experiments and demonstrations' impact on the sustainable energy transition. The research in this study fills this knowledge gap by providing such an overview and yields novel insights into the organized function and impact of experiments and demonstrations. It spans a broad spectrum of sustainable energy technologies, the empirical domains where these are invented, developed and applied, and the stakeholders involved. The overview is the outcome of a Delphi study in which the insights of 47 international scientific research experts in sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations are bundled and explained. This study presents a thematic overview of the significant insights regarding past and current sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations and outlines a research agenda for the future. Policymakers, practitioners, and scientists can leverage this to inform their sustainable energy policies, business strategies, and research programs.
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Research into the impact of innovative sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations is crucial to diversifying, scaling up, and accelerating the sustainable energy transition. Although there is vast research into sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations, research literature offers a fragmented collection of findings. A coherent overview of themes and insights regarding the transformative impact of innovative sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations on sustainable energy systems from the past, present, and near future is lacking and necessary to increase experiments and demonstrations' impact on the sustainable energy transition. The research in this study fills this knowledge gap by providing such an overview and yields novel insights into the organized function and impact of experiments and demonstrations. It spans a broad spectrum of sustainable energy technologies, the empirical domains where these are invented, developed and applied, and the stakeholders involved. The overview is the outcome of a Delphi study in which the insights of 47 international scientific research experts in sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations are bundled and explained. This study presents a thematic overview of the significant insights regarding past and current sustainable energy experiments and demonstrations and outlines a research agenda for the future. Policymakers, practitioners, and scientists can leverage this to inform their sustainable energy policies, business strategies, and research programs.
Introducing a typology of energy regions
A systematic literature review
Low-carbon energy transitions are being increasingly developed at sub-national or regional levels, forming, thus, energy regions. More energy regions have been formed as energy systems become more decentralized, and national governments devolve decision-making power to local authorities. Energy regions have been studied in several countries, but no study has yet overviewed these regions' variety, transition process, and governance approach. It is important to draw lessons for other cases worldwide, like coal and carbon-intensive regions, to understand what type of regions and how they have stimulated their energy transition. Thus, this study investigated i) the concepts of energy regions that have been published and ii) the way energy regions have transitioned in terms of governance arrangements and innovation processes. A systematic literature review was conducted covering forty-seven academic publications and three grey literature reports of energy regions in ten countries. This review covered three academic (sub-)disciplines: i.e. sustainability transitions, regional studies, and innovation studies. Results show five concepts of energy regions: city-regions, peripheralized regions, coal and carbon-intensive regions, learning regions, and renewable energy regions. The formed typology shows the possible transition pathways that regions can follow. Interestingly, only those energy regions that adopted social innovations had the potential to empower their region, its organizations, and its citizens. Finally, recommendations for practitioners in similar regions worldwide are outlined to help overcome obstacles and advance their low-carbon transition.
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Low-carbon energy transitions are being increasingly developed at sub-national or regional levels, forming, thus, energy regions. More energy regions have been formed as energy systems become more decentralized, and national governments devolve decision-making power to local authorities. Energy regions have been studied in several countries, but no study has yet overviewed these regions' variety, transition process, and governance approach. It is important to draw lessons for other cases worldwide, like coal and carbon-intensive regions, to understand what type of regions and how they have stimulated their energy transition. Thus, this study investigated i) the concepts of energy regions that have been published and ii) the way energy regions have transitioned in terms of governance arrangements and innovation processes. A systematic literature review was conducted covering forty-seven academic publications and three grey literature reports of energy regions in ten countries. This review covered three academic (sub-)disciplines: i.e. sustainability transitions, regional studies, and innovation studies. Results show five concepts of energy regions: city-regions, peripheralized regions, coal and carbon-intensive regions, learning regions, and renewable energy regions. The formed typology shows the possible transition pathways that regions can follow. Interestingly, only those energy regions that adopted social innovations had the potential to empower their region, its organizations, and its citizens. Finally, recommendations for practitioners in similar regions worldwide are outlined to help overcome obstacles and advance their low-carbon transition.
Bridging behavioral theory and household energy decisions
Enhancing agent-based models with behavioral analysis
Households are crucial in the energy transition, accounting for over 25% of the European Union's energy consumption. To design effective policy measures that motivate households to change their behavior in favor of the energy transition, agent-based models (ABMs) are vital. For ABMs to reach their full potential in policy design, they must appropriately represent behavioral dynamics. One way to accomplish this is by strengthening the fit in ABMs between behavioral determinants (e.g., trust in energy companies) and the behavior of interest (e.g., adopting tariff structures). This study investigates whether a structured behavioral analysis improves this “determinants-behavior-fit.” A systematic review of 71 ABMs addressing household energy decisions reveals that models incorporating a behavioral analysis formalize nearly twice as many behavioral determinants, indicating a more systematic uptake. Subsequently, we find a difference between models focusing on investment-related behaviors (e.g., households buying solar panels) and those examining daily energy practices (e.g., households adjusting charging habits). Models in the first category integrate more social factors when incorporating behavioral analyses, corresponding with the influence of networks and peer effects on investment behaviors. Models in the second category emphasize individual and external factors in response to behavioral analyses, corresponding with the energy practices' habitual and contextual nature. Despite the benefits of a behavioral analysis for improving the determinants-behavior fit in ABMs, only one-third of the studies apply it partially. On top of that, almost half of the studies do not report a rationale for their choice of behavioral determinants. This suggests that many models may not fully capture the behavioral mechanisms underlying household energy decisions, limiting ABMs' potential to inform policymakers. Our findings highlight the need for systematic behavioral assessments in model development. We conclude that collaboration between behavioral scientists and modelers is crucial to accomplish such integration, and we emphasize the importance of allowing sufficient time and resources for meaningful exchange. Future research could further investigate empirical validation of behavioral insights in ABMs and explore how ABM results improve with a better determinants-behavior fit. By bridging behavioral science with computational modeling, ABMs' decision-support power to policymakers can be improved, ultimately accelerating the energy transition.
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Households are crucial in the energy transition, accounting for over 25% of the European Union's energy consumption. To design effective policy measures that motivate households to change their behavior in favor of the energy transition, agent-based models (ABMs) are vital. For ABMs to reach their full potential in policy design, they must appropriately represent behavioral dynamics. One way to accomplish this is by strengthening the fit in ABMs between behavioral determinants (e.g., trust in energy companies) and the behavior of interest (e.g., adopting tariff structures). This study investigates whether a structured behavioral analysis improves this “determinants-behavior-fit.” A systematic review of 71 ABMs addressing household energy decisions reveals that models incorporating a behavioral analysis formalize nearly twice as many behavioral determinants, indicating a more systematic uptake. Subsequently, we find a difference between models focusing on investment-related behaviors (e.g., households buying solar panels) and those examining daily energy practices (e.g., households adjusting charging habits). Models in the first category integrate more social factors when incorporating behavioral analyses, corresponding with the influence of networks and peer effects on investment behaviors. Models in the second category emphasize individual and external factors in response to behavioral analyses, corresponding with the energy practices' habitual and contextual nature. Despite the benefits of a behavioral analysis for improving the determinants-behavior fit in ABMs, only one-third of the studies apply it partially. On top of that, almost half of the studies do not report a rationale for their choice of behavioral determinants. This suggests that many models may not fully capture the behavioral mechanisms underlying household energy decisions, limiting ABMs' potential to inform policymakers. Our findings highlight the need for systematic behavioral assessments in model development. We conclude that collaboration between behavioral scientists and modelers is crucial to accomplish such integration, and we emphasize the importance of allowing sufficient time and resources for meaningful exchange. Future research could further investigate empirical validation of behavioral insights in ABMs and explore how ABM results improve with a better determinants-behavior fit. By bridging behavioral science with computational modeling, ABMs' decision-support power to policymakers can be improved, ultimately accelerating the energy transition.
Plugging in with neighbours
Defining the social dimension of electric vehicle charging in the Netherlands
Residential public charging points are shared by multiple electric vehicle drivers, often neighbours. Therefore, charging behaviour is embedded in a social context. Behaviours that affect, or are influenced by, other public charging point users have been sparsely studied and lack an overarching and comprehensive definition. Consequently, very few measures are applied in practice to influence charging behaviour. We aim to classify and define the social dimension of charging behaviour from a social-psychological perspective and, using a behaviour change framework, identify and analyse the measures to influence this behaviour. We interviewed 15 experts on residential public charging infrastructure in the Netherlands. We identified 17 charging behaviours rooted in interpersonal interactions between individuals and interactions between individuals and technology. These behaviours can be categorised into prosocial and antisocial charging behaviours. Prosocial charging behaviour provides or enhances the opportunity for other users to charge their vehicle at the public charging point, for instance by charging only when necessary. Antisocial charging behaviour prevents or diminishes this opportunity, for instance by occupying the charging point after charging, intentionally or unintentionally. We then identified 23 measures to influence antisocial and prosocial charging behaviours. These measures can influence behaviour through human–technology interaction, such as providing charging etiquettes to new electric vehicle drivers or charging idle fees, and interpersonal interaction, such as social pressure from other charging point users or facilitating social interactions to exchange requests. Our approach advocates for more attention to the social dimension of charging behaviour.
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Residential public charging points are shared by multiple electric vehicle drivers, often neighbours. Therefore, charging behaviour is embedded in a social context. Behaviours that affect, or are influenced by, other public charging point users have been sparsely studied and lack an overarching and comprehensive definition. Consequently, very few measures are applied in practice to influence charging behaviour. We aim to classify and define the social dimension of charging behaviour from a social-psychological perspective and, using a behaviour change framework, identify and analyse the measures to influence this behaviour. We interviewed 15 experts on residential public charging infrastructure in the Netherlands. We identified 17 charging behaviours rooted in interpersonal interactions between individuals and interactions between individuals and technology. These behaviours can be categorised into prosocial and antisocial charging behaviours. Prosocial charging behaviour provides or enhances the opportunity for other users to charge their vehicle at the public charging point, for instance by charging only when necessary. Antisocial charging behaviour prevents or diminishes this opportunity, for instance by occupying the charging point after charging, intentionally or unintentionally. We then identified 23 measures to influence antisocial and prosocial charging behaviours. These measures can influence behaviour through human–technology interaction, such as providing charging etiquettes to new electric vehicle drivers or charging idle fees, and interpersonal interaction, such as social pressure from other charging point users or facilitating social interactions to exchange requests. Our approach advocates for more attention to the social dimension of charging behaviour.
Daily schedule changes in the automated vehicle era
Uncovering the heterogeneity behind the veil of low survey commitment
Automated vehicles (AVs) may transform not only our travel experience but our complete daily schedules. This study analyses the data from an interactive stated activity-travel survey using latent class cluster analysis to uncover the types and prevalence of schedule changes with AVs. The analysis reveals that the majority of respondents expected little to no changes in their schedules. Importantly however, these responses are correlated with low commitment to the survey, evident in unrealistically short response times to non-central survey parts and simpler representations of their current schedules. The remaining responses reveal significant and varied changes in activities on board and outside travel, and in commute departure times. We conclude that the prevalence of schedule changes may be underestimated in our and possibly other AV studies due to low survey commitment. Our findings also highlight diverse potential motivations behind schedule changes with AVs: while some travellers may desire to free up time for other activities during the day (time saving), others may satisfy an unmet activity need by engaging in on-board activities (time spending). Considering this heterogeneity is crucial in endeavours to quantify the total benefits and costs that automated vehicles will bring to their users.
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Automated vehicles (AVs) may transform not only our travel experience but our complete daily schedules. This study analyses the data from an interactive stated activity-travel survey using latent class cluster analysis to uncover the types and prevalence of schedule changes with AVs. The analysis reveals that the majority of respondents expected little to no changes in their schedules. Importantly however, these responses are correlated with low commitment to the survey, evident in unrealistically short response times to non-central survey parts and simpler representations of their current schedules. The remaining responses reveal significant and varied changes in activities on board and outside travel, and in commute departure times. We conclude that the prevalence of schedule changes may be underestimated in our and possibly other AV studies due to low survey commitment. Our findings also highlight diverse potential motivations behind schedule changes with AVs: while some travellers may desire to free up time for other activities during the day (time saving), others may satisfy an unmet activity need by engaging in on-board activities (time spending). Considering this heterogeneity is crucial in endeavours to quantify the total benefits and costs that automated vehicles will bring to their users.
How do residents perceive energy-producing kites?
Comparing the community acceptance of an airborne wind energy system and a wind farm in Germany
Journal article
(2024)
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H.S. Schmidt, Valentin Leschinger, Florian J.Y. Müller, G. de Vries, Reint Jan Renes, R. Schmehl, Gundula Hübner
Airborne wind energy (AWE) is an emerging renewable energy technology that uses kites to harvest winds at higher altitudes than wind turbines. Understanding how residents experience a local AWE system (AWES) is important as the technology approaches commercialization. Such knowledge can help adjust the design and deployment of an AWES to fit locals' needs better, thereby decreasing the technology's burden on people. Although the AWE literature claims that the technology affects nature and residents less than wind turbines, empirical evidence has been lacking. This first community acceptance study recruited residents within a 3.5 km radius of an AWE test site in Northern Germany. Using structured questionnaires, 54 residents rated the AWES and the closest wind farm on visual, sound, safety, siting, environmental, and ecological aspects. Contrary to the literature's claims, residents assessed the noise, ecological, and safety impacts similarly for the AWES and the wind farm. Only visual impacts were rated better for the AWES (e.g., no shadows were perceived). Consistent with research on wind turbines, residents who rated the site operation as fairer and the developer as more transparent tended to have more positive attitudes towards the AWES and to experience less noise annoyance. Consequently, recommendations for the AWE industry and policymakers include mitigating technology impacts and implementing evidence-based strategies to ensure just and effective project development. The findings are limited to one specific AWES using soft-wing kites. Future research should assess community responses across regions and different types of AWESs to test the findings' generalizability.
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Airborne wind energy (AWE) is an emerging renewable energy technology that uses kites to harvest winds at higher altitudes than wind turbines. Understanding how residents experience a local AWE system (AWES) is important as the technology approaches commercialization. Such knowledge can help adjust the design and deployment of an AWES to fit locals' needs better, thereby decreasing the technology's burden on people. Although the AWE literature claims that the technology affects nature and residents less than wind turbines, empirical evidence has been lacking. This first community acceptance study recruited residents within a 3.5 km radius of an AWE test site in Northern Germany. Using structured questionnaires, 54 residents rated the AWES and the closest wind farm on visual, sound, safety, siting, environmental, and ecological aspects. Contrary to the literature's claims, residents assessed the noise, ecological, and safety impacts similarly for the AWES and the wind farm. Only visual impacts were rated better for the AWES (e.g., no shadows were perceived). Consistent with research on wind turbines, residents who rated the site operation as fairer and the developer as more transparent tended to have more positive attitudes towards the AWES and to experience less noise annoyance. Consequently, recommendations for the AWE industry and policymakers include mitigating technology impacts and implementing evidence-based strategies to ensure just and effective project development. The findings are limited to one specific AWES using soft-wing kites. Future research should assess community responses across regions and different types of AWESs to test the findings' generalizability.