Perceptions of clean energy technologies in Europe

The report details a survey of 6,021 respondents across Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, and the UK regarding clean energy technologies. Key findings indicate that while advanced nuclear energy has the highest awareness and broad support, superhot rock geothermal energy has the lowest awareness. Support for CCS and SHR is influenced by how the technologies are framed, and while low-carbon hydrogen is generally supported, there is uncertainty regarding its application sectors.

• Public awareness of clean energy technologies varies significantly, with advanced nuclear energy being the most recognized and superhot rock (SHR) geothermal energy the least.
• Support for the rollout of advanced nuclear energy is high across all surveyed countries, with only 22% of respondents wanting to see a reduction of nuclear energy in their national energy mix. The public values it as a "carbon-free technology and a constant energy source", though safety and waste remain primary concerns.
• While 93% of respondents believe carbon capture and storage (CCS) can reduce CO2 emissions, only 49% are in favor of its rollout. Support levels increase when the technology is framed as "an innovative technology" rather than a "well-understood technology".
• More than half of the participants support the rollout of low-carbon hydrogen, but there is a lack of clarity regarding which sectors it should be applied to for effective decarbonization.
• Regarding superhot rock (SHR) geothermal energy, 65% of participants support government investment in its development and 63% favor its rollout. Support is slightly higher when it is described as a "zero-carbon source". However, reading the technology description led to an increase in concerns, specifically regarding availability, safety, disruption, and contamination.
• Individuals who are more engaged with climate news tend to be more technology-agnostic compared to those who are disengaged.

APA

Clean Air Task Force (2023). Perceptions of clean energy technologies in Europe. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/30102107/CATF_PublicPerceptions_Full_11.29-1.pdf

Chicago

Clean Air Task Force. Perceptions of clean energy technologies in Europe. 2023. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/30102107/CATF_PublicPerceptions_Full_11.29-1.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Clean Air Task Force |title=Perceptions of clean energy technologies in Europe |date=November 2023 |url=https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/30102107/CATF_PublicPerceptions_Full_11.29-1.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{cleanairtaskforce2023perceptions, author = {{Clean Air Task Force}}, title = {{Perceptions of clean energy technologies in Europe}}, institution = {Clean Air Task Force}, year = {2023}, month = nov, url = {https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/30102107/CATF_PublicPerceptions_Full_11.29-1.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }