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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The energy transition is a critical component of climate change mitigation, yet its
success depends not only on technological advancements and policy frameworks but also
on societal acceptance. In Germany, however, this transition faces growing resistance due
to the rise of far-right populist parties, which frame sustainable energy policies as elitist
and economically harmful. This political shift threatens the country’s decarbonization
efforts and, with it, broader climate targets. This thesis examines how populist attitudes
influence the social acceptance of sustainable energy technologies (SETs), focusing on
the recent controversy surrounding heat pumps. Using a survey-based quantitative
approach, two indices were developed: the Sustainable Energy Acceptance Index (SEA)
and the Populist Attitudes Index (PAI). Analysis of 335 responses reveals a statistically
significant negative correlation between populist attitudes and the acceptance of SETs (r
= -0.22, p<0.001), supporting the hypothesis that stronger populist beliefs are linked to
lower acceptance of renewable energy. Political party preference played a key role, with
AfD supporters showing the lowest acceptance of SETs, while Die Grünen voters
exhibited the highest. These findings underscore the challenge of increasing political
polarization in Germany’s energy transition. Countering populist narratives and
improving communication on the benefits of renewable energy are essential to securing
public support for climate policies.
Description
Keywords
Populism Sustainable Energy Social Acceptance Political Attitudes Energy Transition Public Perception
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Wagner, Frederik Niklas (2025). “The influence of populism on the energy transition in Germany”. Dissertação de Mestrado. Universidade de Lisboa. Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão
Publisher
Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão