Which institutional and administrative changes are necessary in the gas industry to achieve a responsible energy system? Which factors determine the level of public support for solutions in the gas industry that contribute to a sustainable energy transition?

Gas and the use of gas are not without controversy. Consider, for instance, the public debate on earthquakes in Groningen, gas extraction in vulnerable areas, shale gas, importing gas from Russia, and CO₂ emissions caused by the use of natural gas. At the same time, there are a number of new developments in the gas industry that could play a role in the transition to a sustainable energy system, such as biogas and power-to-gas. Social acceptance of gas plays an important role in these discussions and developments.

Public support

Public support is essential for innovations in the energy and gas sector to get off the ground. However, there is little insight into the way people view these kinds of innovations and the factors that influence these viewpoints, and this is an obstacle to socially responsible decisions on gas.

This project examines citizens’ and stakeholders’ views on gas and the factors that influence these viewpoints. An important question is to what extent individual factors (e.g. values) and institutional factors (e.g. participation, governance) influence public opinion about gas and how these factors interact. Another important question is to what extent the parties take the concerns and expectations of the public into account in their communications and processes.

Based on the results of the research, the researchers will develop practical insights for socially responsible decision-making on gas. More specifically, they will indicate the institutional and administrative changes needed in the gas industry to create a socially responsible energy system and what role gas can play in this transition. This also means that certain developments in the gas industry might have to be abandoned.

Guidelines for changes in the gas industry

The researchers will actively share the results of the research with parties involved in making decisions on gas, including the gas industry, other energy companies, government agencies, and environmental organisations and interest groups. In addition, they will examine how this knowledge is used in communications and processes, and what effect it has on socially responsible decision-making.

energy transition, energy system, gas, shale gas, green gas, stakeholders views