Two Heads are Better than One; The Effects of Social Cohesion and Knowledge on Willingness to Participate in the Energy Transition in the Region of Utrecht

Abstract

Mitigating the issue of climate change calls for a transition from natural gas towards renewable energy sources in Dutch homes. The present study aimed to explore the social side of the energy transition in the Netherlands, by investigating the effect of social cohesion in the neighbourhood on the willingness to participate in the energy transition, and a potential mediating effect of knowledge about the energy transition. Based on previous findings, social cohesion and knowledge about the energy transition were expected to positively affect the willingness to participate in the energy transition. Additionally, social cohesion was expected to positively affect knowledge about the energy transition. The present study used quantitative data from questionnaires developed by students from Utrecht University, which had been taken in municipalities across the region of Utrecht. Hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression and multiple linear regression models. All predicted relationships were found to be significant, albeit small in effect size. Additionally, knowledge about the energy transition has been found to fully mediate the relationship between social cohesion and willingness to participate in the energy transition. These findings indicate that effect of social cohesion might be explained through knowledge, and thus the direct effect of social cohesion might not be as influential as assumed. The present study provides a modest first insight into the way these concepts interact, and how they operate at the local level. Thus, social cohesion and the shared knowledge it facilitates might be valuable ways for municipalities and policymakers to increase participation in the energy transition in the region of Utrecht, although additional research is needed.