Approval for energy transition remains high in Germany as citizens see effects - survey

Approval for the expansion of renewables remains high in Germany at 81 percent and the energy transition has become more visible in everyday life, found a survey by YouGov conducted on behalf of the Renewable Energy Agency (AEE). Over half (55%) of respondents said that the further expansion of wind and solar power is very important to them, while 60 percent of the 1,000 people surveyed said they accept living close to renewable energy installations. Solar energy, and especially roof-mounted systems, enjoyed the highest approval ratings, with nuclear, coal, and gas power plants at the lower end of the acceptance spectrum. The survey also found that personal experience with heat pumps led to higher approval ratings, with a 19 percentage-point difference in approval between those who had experience and those who had not.

Where people are already familiar with renewable energy systems, approval remained above average - currently at 70 percent. Transparency and open communication were highlighted as important factors in garnering support for renewable energy projects, as 56 percent of respondents said they would have more faith in wind projects that follow those principles. The survey concluded that while approval for renewables remains stable, issues like transparency and participation are becoming more important—the decisive factor now being the way in which local residents are informed and involved, rather than the technologies themselves.

A report published in October by the state-owned development bank KfW found that four in five people in Germany approved of the energy transition in 2024, even though there was a drop in those willing to act by 11 percentage points. Low-income households were particularly unwilling to take action for cost reasons, and concerns about the affordability of heat pumps was found to be a major roadblock for people making the switch.