No one-way street: value creation from renewables and public support for the energy transition

Meeting the ever-rising global energy needs whilst combating climate change is one of the central problems of our times, requiring an ‘energy transition’ towards low-carbon sources. In Global South countries, benefits of renewable energy such as clean and affordable energy access and green growth have been researched in-depth and raise high hopes for the future. Less is known about the relationship of public support for the energy transition and its relationship with the local value creation through renewable energy technology. This paper aims to shed light on this relationship by examining to what extent support for the energy transition depends on local and national value creation. Of particular interest are the kinds of jobs created locally, as well as the overall welfare created and anticipated or realized GDP growth. We also explore to what extent personal experiences related to the energy transition impact attitudes, compared to expectations for the country or region. By combining stakeholder interviews with survey data, we identify the different drivers for public support, and examine the reinforcing relationships between public support and a smooth energy transition.