Uncertainty, Public Values and Energy Futures in the UK

This paper is submitted as part of the double symposium Energy Transition Risks, Uncertainties and Societal Values convened by Pia-Johanna Schweizer (Stuttgart) and Nick Pidgeon (Cardiff). Paper abstract: In the UK there are... [ view full abstract ]

This paper is submitted as part of the double symposium Energy Transition Risks, Uncertainties and Societal Values convened by Pia-Johanna Schweizer (Stuttgart) and Nick Pidgeon (Cardiff). Paper abstract: In the UK there are strong policy imperatives to transition toward low carbon energy systems but how and in what ways such transitional processes might be realised remains highly uncertain. In this paper, public acceptability is identified as an indeterminate form of uncertainty that presents particular challenges and risks for energy policy making, which until quite recently has tended to focus more upon assessment of traditional engineering and economic risks to energy transition. We build on major qualitative and quantitative data sets we collected in the UK into public values for energy system change, to explore how uncertainties associated with public acceptability can help to interrogate UK transitions policies. We also illustrate how the public values identified through our research bring into view alternative and quite different problem and solution framings to those currently evident within UK policy. We argue that engagement with a wide range of different framings can offer a basis for better understanding and anticipating public responses to energy system change, ultimately aiding in managing the complex set of uncertainties and risks associated with energy transitions.