- Email: [email protected]
Social acceptance of bioenergy in the context of climate change and sustainability – A review
Accepted Manuscript Social acceptance of bioenergy in the context of climate change and sustainability - A review D. Fytili, A. Zabaniotou PII:
S2452-2236(17)30044-5
DOI:
10.1016/j.cogsc.2017.07.006
Reference:
COGSC 93
To appear in:
Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Received Date: 28 April 2017 Revised Date:
24 July 2017
Accepted Date: 26 July 2017
Please cite this article as: D. Fytili, A. Zabaniotou, Social acceptance of bioenergy in the context of climate change and sustainability - A review, Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry (2017), doi: 10.1016/j.cogsc.2017.07.006. This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
SC
Market acceptance -Consumers -Investors -Intra-firms
AC C
EP
TE D
M AN U
Community acceptance
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Social-political acceptance -Public -Stakeholders -Policy makers
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Social acceptance of bioenergy in the context of climate change and sustainability - A review D. Fytili, A. Zabaniotou*
Thessaloniki, Greece
RI PT
Biomass group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of
SC
Abstract. Bioenergy development is gaining interest globally, and its social acceptance emerges as a determining factor for its implementation. This study is a short review of
M AN U
published articles discussing societal and public perceptions of bioenergy, including highlights of an interdisciplinary and three-dimensional approach (socioeconomic, local, and market). Social acceptance can be influenced by the awareness of climate change and its impacts, the knowledge of technologies and the perceived fairness of the preparatory and
TE D
decision-making processes. The complex and multi-faceted supply chains of bioenergy projects call for careful consideration of sustainability.
AC C
EP
Keywords. Bioenergy, socio-political, community, market, sustainability, climate change.
*Corresponding author. Anastasia Zabaniotou, prof, email: [email protected]
1
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
1. Introduction
RI PT
Biomass is a source of renewable energy and transportation fuels, playing a key role in decarbonizing energy supply [1]. Although, it has the potential to mitigate climate change, increase energy security, and promote rural development [2], significant societal concerns
SC
should be faced [3].
A range of technologies offer improved efficiencies, lower costs, and better
M AN U
environmental performance [4], while bioenergy technologies fueled with agricultural wastes are mature [5]. Bioenergy implementation affects and is affected by regional development. In developing countries, bioenergy can efficiently be used if technological training and education are provided, while in developed countries, where technology and infrastructure is
dependent [5].
TE D
in place, competition becomes the main problem, since commodities are volatile and market
Social acceptance of bioenergy has emerged in Europe, as a key factor [6], identified as
EP
a key requirement for the transition from non-renewable to renewable energy [7]. Public knowledge and awareness of bioenergy is low compared to solar and wind energy [8]. It is not
AC C
high in many European countries, due to conflicts and resistance [9]. The lack of involvement of social actors in the decision-making process creates a distorted picture of the priorities to be set [8], limits the possibilities for application and success [10]. Effective decarbonization strategies need to find integrated solutions, and synergies between sectors [11, 12]. The European Commission has set a long-term goal to develop a competitive, resource efficient and low carbon economy by 2050. Circular economy, industrial symbiosis, and bio economy concepts, can boost the development of bioenergy, by incorporating bioenergy systems in cascade biorefineries, for closing loops [11]. The 2
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT transition towards a bio economy will rely on the advancement in multi-process technology, on the achievement of a breakthrough in terms of technical performances and cost effectiveness and will depend on the availability of sustainable biomass [13].
RI PT
It is important to have clear insight into what would be the social implications of deploying technologies, at various levels [14], by exploring various social and economic sectors [15]. By enhancing social acceptance, better conditions for increasing the market share
SC
of bioenergy production systems, can be achieved [16].
The present paper attempts to shed light on important aspects and dimensions related to
M AN U
social acceptance of bioenergy and investigate factors influencing it, in the context of climate change and sustainability. Three dimensions of social acceptance were examined in this study: public (socio-political), local community and market acceptance, inter-connected, and
TE D
affecting each other (Fig. 1).
2. The three dimensions of social acceptance
EP
Wüstenhagen et al., (2007) have proposed an interdisciplinary and three-dimensional approach to social acceptance [17]:
Socio-political acceptance is referring to how policies and technologies are seen by
AC C
•
political stakeholders and the broad public.
•
Community acceptance is relevant when trying to build a power plant in a community, where local stakeholders and especially residents are asked not to oppose a certain project.
•
Market acceptance builds on the economy, where new technologies should be introduced by market players on the supply side, and used on the demand side [18].
3
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 2.1 Socio-political acceptance
It is the acceptance of bioenergy by the public, key stakeholders, and policy makers,
RI PT
identified as a key factor influencing bioenergy broad implementation [19]. Stakeholders’ perceptions are often complex, multifaceted, and linked to contextual, psychological, and personal factors, along with issues on technology type and scale, biomass type and
SC
availability [20].
Public acceptance is primarily established through public trust and support, and this
stakeholders; many factors influence it:
M AN U
requires a policy framework for efficient and interactive communication between
Information and basic knowledge of various industrial activities [21],
•
Bias [22],
•
Concern about food safety and biodiversity [23],
•
Waste minimization and waste generation [24].
TE D
•
In countries where bioenergy is used in industrial applications, socio-political acceptance
EP
is high, because it was understood that bioenergy contributes to economic growth through business expansion employment, security of energy supply, community empowerment,
AC C
supported by the appropriate policies and strategies.
2.2 Acceptance by local communities
This dimension involves acceptance of the program by local bodies, municipalities, authorities, associations, and organizations, which could be influenced by factors relating to: •
Equity of distribution of costs and profits [17],
•
Equity in decision-making and participation processes [17], 4
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT •
Confidence in the implementation of programs [17].
Equity theories on cost and profit sharing and in decision making were used for the evaluation of public acceptance of wind and bioenergy programs in Europe [25].
RI PT
Citizens' needs and opinions are key factors in the decision-making process in democratic societies. The lack of attention of these factors can lead to a significant lag between the timing of discussions on a bioenergy program and the timing of its
SC
implementation [26].
The specific attitude of a society towards climate change or replacement of fossil fuels
M AN U
with renewable energy sources should be distinguished from the attitude related to a bioenergy plant installation in its area. Hardly anyone opposes to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, but relatively easily responds negatively to the operation of a bioenergy unit next to him/her. This is known as ‘Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) effect’. It is a
TE D
complex behavior that raises opposition for local development [26]. Acceptance by local societies is not a static but dynamic phenomenon. It follows a U curve, relating the time path of public adjustment to a renewable energy sources project,
EP
explaining what might cause transition from one phase to the next (Fig. 2). The attitude of a local community differs depending on the stage of the project (pre-announcement, post-
AC C
announcement, after completion), and may change during the same phase, since it is essentially a human behavior that is affected by a variety of parameters [27].
2.3 Market acceptance
Market acceptance refers to the adoption of a new technology in a market [17]. Accepting bioenergy production systems from the wider market, in terms of economy, is the degree of the adoption of technology by consumers, investors, suppliers, and other market 5
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT carriers. The introduction of new energy technologies to the market by scientists and innovators is always faster, than the public understanding [28]. Recognizing the level of customer awareness and their adoption process is a key factor for developing innovative
RI PT
products in a market [29]. Besides consumers, the focus is also on investors and intra-firms’ acceptance of new energy technologies. Investors or companies can play a very important role as stakeholders,
SC
and some of them are very influential in the process of policy making or financial systems related to energy systems [17].
M AN U
Approaches, technologies, and systems, that protect natural resources and advance environmental, economic, and social benefits are needed to shape sustainability, which should proactively identify and address issues that affect the scale-up potential, public
TE D
acceptance, and long-term viability of advanced bioenergy systems.
3. Further developments
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For the deploying of bioenergy, it is important to have clear insight into what would be
•
AC C
done for enhancing the social implications, at various levels [19]: Project planning and development level
Social acceptance needs to be considered by the developers of the project, as well as related local and regional government policy makers. Involvement of the local community in planning and development, or even (co-)ownership, may lead to higher social acceptance. •
Higher policy-making level
Policymakers must consider social acceptance as one of the determining factors in the predictability of investments. Social acceptance levels may be influenced through for example information and transparency rules, campaigns, and support mechanisms. 6
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT •
Public level
Social acceptance of bioenergy by the public is essential to the political legitimacy of the bioenergy industry, and the willingness of policy-makers to introduce or maintain supportive
RI PT
policy schemes for bioenergy. The complex and multi-faceted supply chains of bioenergy projects call for careful consideration of sustainability issues and well-thought-out regulatory frameworks. Local level
SC
•
The attitude which a local community adopts towards a bioenergy unit is more dependent
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on the characteristics of the specific local and wider society at state level than on the technology applied or its functional characteristics. •
Investors level
Bioenergy investments should be driven by technological analysis. Bioenergy experts are
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the key persons who can provide new information to policy makers and public. It is also important to have clear insight into the specific elements that influence public attitudes to enhance social acceptance [9], such as: Awareness of climate change and knowledge of the technology,
•
Fairness of the decision-making process,
•
Costs, risk and benefits of a technology,
•
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•
EP
•
Characteristics of the local context, Trust in decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders.
3.1 Awareness
Social acceptance can be influenced by both, the awareness of climate change and its impacts, and the knowledge of the renewable energy sources technologies. Increased awareness can boost the willingness to counteract climate change and the acceptance of 7
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT climate-friendly technologies [30]. For new technologies, timely, complete and balanced knowledge needs to be provided to raise awareness on costs, risks, and benefits. [31].
RI PT
3.2 Fairness
Awareness-raising is important to give all stakeholders the opportunity to be involved in a fair process. Perceived fairness is generally higher if decision-makers are trustworthy. In
SC
turn, a fair and inclusive process leads to trust in decision-makers. Procedures should be fair by being open and transparent, giving the opportunity to the public and stakeholders to have a
M AN U
voice in decisions [9]. In addition, joint ownership or community co-ownership of projects can lead to higher social acceptance [31].
Five principles on decision making should be respected [3]: Openness (sharing all relevant information),
•
Inclusiveness (interacting with all stakeholders),
•
Responsiveness (listening to the community and stakeholder concerns),
•
Accountability (ongoing process of monitoring, evaluation, and participation), and
•
Flexibility (preparing for local requests and being open to amendments)
EP
TE D
•
AC C
3.3 Assessment of costs, risks, and benefits
Social acceptance depends on the assessment of the costs, benefits, and potential risks. Public and stakeholders need information on the above issues. This assessment is inherently subjective, as the public does not usually have complete knowledge or adequate information. The assessment is therefore, a result of the level of awareness, or it is based on an assessment made by someone else, such as the project developer, the government, or an interest group [19].
8
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 3.4 Local context
Rational objections to projects and specific fears and emotions should be identified, discussed, and dealt, because individual projects regularly face resistance from the local
RI PT
community [32].
Understanding what people expect from the future energy technologies can help
SC
designing successful policies.
M AN U
3.5 Trust
Public trust in decision-makers and other stakeholders can influence the acceptance of bioenergy. Public trust in stakeholders depends on the perception of their organizational competence and integrity.
The element of trust can be considered as a cross-cutting issue, as it influences the other
EP
4. Conclusions
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four elements discussed above, and is in turn also influenced by them [19].
AC C
Social acceptance of bioenergy concerns the study of a social behavior, which is nonstatic not only at country level but at community level. Fears, caused by lack of information, knowledge, and environmental concerns on the emissions, often lead to conflicts, resistance, and low acceptance of bioenergy projects. The attitude which, a local community adopts bioenergy, is more dependent on its specific characteristics, plant’s size, and location, than on functional characteristics of the technology.
9
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT Efforts are needed on spreading information about bioenergy technologies, resources, and systems, on policies integration, and strategies implementation, with focus on
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sustainability.
References
IEA (International Energy Agency-Energy). Bioenergy Annual Report 2016.
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[1]
http://www.ieabioenergy.com
[2]
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(accessed on April 2017)
**L. Acosta-Michlik, W. Lucht, A. Bondeau. Integrated assessment of sustainability trade-offs and pathways for global bioenergy production: Framing a novel hybrid approach, Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 15(2011), 2791–2809.
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[3] **R. Schubert, J. Blasch. Sustainability standards for bioenergy–A means to reduce climate change risks?, Energy Policy 38(2010), 2797–2805. [4]
**R. I. Radics, S. Dasmohapatra, S. S. Kelley. Public perception of bioenergy in North
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Carolina and Tennessee. Energy, Sustainability and Society, 6 (17), (2016). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13705-016-0081-0 **G. Mendes Souza, M. Victoria R. Ballester, C. Henrique de Brito Cruz, H. Chum, L.
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[5]
Van der Wielen. The role of bioenergy in a climate-changing world. Environmental Development, In press, corrected proof, Available online 24 February 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2017.02.008} [6]
*V. K. Eswarlal, P. K. Dey, P. Budhwar, R. Shankar. Analysis of interactions among variables of renewable energy projects: A case study on renewable energy project in India, J. of scientific and industrial research 70(8) (2011a), 713-720.
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ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT [7]
*P. Dwivedi, J.R.R. Alavalapati. Stakeholders’ perceptions on forest biomass-based bioenergy development in the southern US, Energy Policy 37 (2009), 1999–2007.
[8]
*V. Segon, D. Støer, J. Domac, K. Yang. Raising the Awareness of Bioenergy Benefits:
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Results of Two Public Surveys on Attitudes, Perceptions and Knowledge. http://www.ieabioenergy.com, (accessed on 07.07.2012)
*J. P. Painuly. Barriers to renewable energy penetration; a framework for analysis,
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[9]
Renewable Energy 24(1) (2001), 73-89
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[10] **C. P. Mitchell. Development of decision support systems for bioenergy applications ,Biomass and Bioenergy 18(4) (2000), 265-278.
[11] ***A. Zabaniotou, P. Kamaterou, V. Kachrimanidou, A. Vlysidis, A. Koutinas. Taking a reflexive TRL3-4 approach to sustainable use of sunflower meal for the transition
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from a mono-process pathway to a cascade biorefinery in the context of Circular Bioeconomy, Journal of Cleaner Production, In press, corrected proof, Available online 30 January 2017.
G.
EP
[12] ***C. Ingrao, J. Bacenetti, A. Bezama, V. Blok, J. Geldermann, P. Goglio, E.
Koukios, M. Lindner, Th. Nemecek, V. Siracusa, A. Zabaniotou, D. Huisingh.
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Agricultural and forest biomass for food, materials and energy: bio-economy as the cornerstone to cleaner production and more sustainable consumption patterns for accelerating the transition towards equitable, sustainable, post fossil-carbon societies, Journal of Cleaner Production,117 (20) (2016), 4-6. [13] ***N. Scarlat, J-F. Dallemand, F. Monforti-Ferrario, V. Nita. The role of biomass and bioenergy in a future bioeconomy: Policies and facts Environmental Development. 15 (2015), 3-34.
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ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT [14] *K. McCormick. Communicating bioenergy: a growing challenge, Biofuels Bioprod. Biorefin 4(2010), 494–502. [15] ***P. Halder, P. Prokop, C.-Y. Chang, M. Usak, J. Pietarinen, S. Havu-Nuutinen, M.
young citizens, Bioenergy Research 5(1) (2012), 247-261.
RI PT
Cakir. International survey on bioenergy knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes among
[16] *D. Ravindranath, S. S. N. Rao. Bioenergy in India: Barriers and policy options
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Diffusion of renewable energy technologies India: United Nations Development Programme (2011), 129.
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[17] ***R.Wüstenhagen, M. Wolsink, M.J. Bürer . Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Innovation : an Introduction to the Concept, Energy Policy 35 (5) (2007), 2683-2691. [18] ***C Dermont, K. Ingold, L. Kammermann , I. Stadelmann-Steffen. Bringing the policy making perspective in: A political science approach to social acceptance, Energy
TE D
Policy 108 (2017) 359–368.
[19] ***E. Alasti. Social Acceptance of Bioenergy in Europe. Thesis for the fulfillment of the Master of Science in Environmental Management and Policy Lund, Sweden,
EP
September 2011.
[20] *P. Devine-Wright,G. Walker, S. Hunter. An empirical study of public beliefs about
AC C
community renewable energy projects in England and Wales, Working Paper 2: Community Energy Initiatives Project (2007), 1-20. [21] *A.
Roos, R. L. Graham, B. Hektor, C. Rakos. Critical factors to bioenergy
implementation, Biomass and Bioenergy 17(2) (1999), 113-126. [22] **C. Rösch, M. Kaltschmitt. Energy from biomass--do non-technical barriers prevent an increased use? , Biomass and Bioenergy 16(5) (1999), 347-356. [23] *I. Lewandowski, A. P. C. Faaij. Steps towards the development of a certification system for sustainable bio-energy trade, Biomass and Bioenergy 30(2) (2006), 83-104. 12
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT [24] **R. J. Hooper, J. Li. Summary of the factors critical to the commercial application of bioenergy technologies, Biomass and Bioenergy 11(6) (1996), 469-474. [25] **G. Walter, H. Gutscher. Public acceptance of wind energy and bioenergy projects in
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the framework of distributive and procedural justice theories: Insights form Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Zurich The Advisory House, 2011.
[26] ***G.Assefa, B. Frostell. Social sustainability and social acceptance in technology
SC
assessment: A case study of energy technologies, Technology in Society 29 (2007), 63– 78.
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[27] ***P. Devine-Wright. Beyond NIMBYISM: Towards an Integrated Framework for Understanding Public Perceptions of Wind Energy, Wind Energy 8 (2005), 125–139. [28] *National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), Energy Industry Reports, Washington, (2009).
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[29] **A.Tapaninen, M. Seppänen. Customers' Knowledge and Personal Attributes in Promoting Demand for Wood Pellet Heating Technologies, IEEE, (2008). http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.ludwig.lub.lu.se/stampPDF/getPDF.jsp?tp=&arnumber=04738
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008&isnumber= 4737816&tag=1
[30] **E. Strazzera, M. Mura, D. Contu. Combining choice experiments with psychometric
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scales to assess the social acceptability of wind energy projects: A latent class approach, Energy Policy 48 (2012), 334-347. [31] *United Nations Development Programme, Handbook for Conducting Technology needs Assessment for Climate Change, New York, 2014. http://tech-action.org/media/k2/attachments/TNA_Handbook_Nov2010_13.pdf (accessed on December 2016) [32] *J. de Boer, C. Zuidema. Towards an integrated energy landscape, Paper for AESOPACSP Joint Congress, University College Dublin,15-19 July 2013. 13
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT http://www/edgar-program.com/uploads/fckconnetctor/e887aba0-681d-4e00
AC C
EP
TE D
M AN U
SC
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(assessed December 2014)
14
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Figures
Figure 1. The triangle of social acceptance of bioenergy [14].
AC C
EP
TE D
M AN U
SC
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Figure 2. Acceptance of RES projects in a local area before, during and after the project implementation
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT Socio-political acceptance of technologies and policies Public Key stakeholders
SC
RI PT
Policy makers
Market acceptance
Procedural justice
Consumers
Distributional justice
Investors
Intra-Firm
AC C
EP
TE D
Trust
Fig. 1
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Community acceptance
RI PT
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Low
during implementation
AC C
EP
TE D
before
M AN U
SC
Acceptance
High
Fig. 2
after
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT Highlights •
Acceptance of bioenergy depends on the characteristics of the specific community. Awareness of climate change, technology knowledge, fairness boosts
RI PT
•
acceptance.
Sustainability should be carefully considered in bioenergy projects.
AC C
EP
TE D
M AN U
SC
•
S2452-2236(17)30044-5
DOI:
10.1016/j.cogsc.2017.07.006
Reference:
COGSC 93
To appear in:
Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Received Date: 28 April 2017 Revised Date:
24 July 2017
Accepted Date: 26 July 2017
Please cite this article as: D. Fytili, A. Zabaniotou, Social acceptance of bioenergy in the context of climate change and sustainability - A review, Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry (2017), doi: 10.1016/j.cogsc.2017.07.006. This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
SC
Market acceptance -Consumers -Investors -Intra-firms
AC C
EP
TE D
M AN U
Community acceptance
RI PT
Social-political acceptance -Public -Stakeholders -Policy makers
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Social acceptance of bioenergy in the context of climate change and sustainability - A review D. Fytili, A. Zabaniotou*
Thessaloniki, Greece
RI PT
Biomass group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of
SC
Abstract. Bioenergy development is gaining interest globally, and its social acceptance emerges as a determining factor for its implementation. This study is a short review of
M AN U
published articles discussing societal and public perceptions of bioenergy, including highlights of an interdisciplinary and three-dimensional approach (socioeconomic, local, and market). Social acceptance can be influenced by the awareness of climate change and its impacts, the knowledge of technologies and the perceived fairness of the preparatory and
TE D
decision-making processes. The complex and multi-faceted supply chains of bioenergy projects call for careful consideration of sustainability.
AC C
EP
Keywords. Bioenergy, socio-political, community, market, sustainability, climate change.
*Corresponding author. Anastasia Zabaniotou, prof, email: [email protected]
1
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
1. Introduction
RI PT
Biomass is a source of renewable energy and transportation fuels, playing a key role in decarbonizing energy supply [1]. Although, it has the potential to mitigate climate change, increase energy security, and promote rural development [2], significant societal concerns
SC
should be faced [3].
A range of technologies offer improved efficiencies, lower costs, and better
M AN U
environmental performance [4], while bioenergy technologies fueled with agricultural wastes are mature [5]. Bioenergy implementation affects and is affected by regional development. In developing countries, bioenergy can efficiently be used if technological training and education are provided, while in developed countries, where technology and infrastructure is
dependent [5].
TE D
in place, competition becomes the main problem, since commodities are volatile and market
Social acceptance of bioenergy has emerged in Europe, as a key factor [6], identified as
EP
a key requirement for the transition from non-renewable to renewable energy [7]. Public knowledge and awareness of bioenergy is low compared to solar and wind energy [8]. It is not
AC C
high in many European countries, due to conflicts and resistance [9]. The lack of involvement of social actors in the decision-making process creates a distorted picture of the priorities to be set [8], limits the possibilities for application and success [10]. Effective decarbonization strategies need to find integrated solutions, and synergies between sectors [11, 12]. The European Commission has set a long-term goal to develop a competitive, resource efficient and low carbon economy by 2050. Circular economy, industrial symbiosis, and bio economy concepts, can boost the development of bioenergy, by incorporating bioenergy systems in cascade biorefineries, for closing loops [11]. The 2
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT transition towards a bio economy will rely on the advancement in multi-process technology, on the achievement of a breakthrough in terms of technical performances and cost effectiveness and will depend on the availability of sustainable biomass [13].
RI PT
It is important to have clear insight into what would be the social implications of deploying technologies, at various levels [14], by exploring various social and economic sectors [15]. By enhancing social acceptance, better conditions for increasing the market share
SC
of bioenergy production systems, can be achieved [16].
The present paper attempts to shed light on important aspects and dimensions related to
M AN U
social acceptance of bioenergy and investigate factors influencing it, in the context of climate change and sustainability. Three dimensions of social acceptance were examined in this study: public (socio-political), local community and market acceptance, inter-connected, and
TE D
affecting each other (Fig. 1).
2. The three dimensions of social acceptance
EP
Wüstenhagen et al., (2007) have proposed an interdisciplinary and three-dimensional approach to social acceptance [17]:
Socio-political acceptance is referring to how policies and technologies are seen by
AC C
•
political stakeholders and the broad public.
•
Community acceptance is relevant when trying to build a power plant in a community, where local stakeholders and especially residents are asked not to oppose a certain project.
•
Market acceptance builds on the economy, where new technologies should be introduced by market players on the supply side, and used on the demand side [18].
3
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 2.1 Socio-political acceptance
It is the acceptance of bioenergy by the public, key stakeholders, and policy makers,
RI PT
identified as a key factor influencing bioenergy broad implementation [19]. Stakeholders’ perceptions are often complex, multifaceted, and linked to contextual, psychological, and personal factors, along with issues on technology type and scale, biomass type and
SC
availability [20].
Public acceptance is primarily established through public trust and support, and this
stakeholders; many factors influence it:
M AN U
requires a policy framework for efficient and interactive communication between
Information and basic knowledge of various industrial activities [21],
•
Bias [22],
•
Concern about food safety and biodiversity [23],
•
Waste minimization and waste generation [24].
TE D
•
In countries where bioenergy is used in industrial applications, socio-political acceptance
EP
is high, because it was understood that bioenergy contributes to economic growth through business expansion employment, security of energy supply, community empowerment,
AC C
supported by the appropriate policies and strategies.
2.2 Acceptance by local communities
This dimension involves acceptance of the program by local bodies, municipalities, authorities, associations, and organizations, which could be influenced by factors relating to: •
Equity of distribution of costs and profits [17],
•
Equity in decision-making and participation processes [17], 4
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT •
Confidence in the implementation of programs [17].
Equity theories on cost and profit sharing and in decision making were used for the evaluation of public acceptance of wind and bioenergy programs in Europe [25].
RI PT
Citizens' needs and opinions are key factors in the decision-making process in democratic societies. The lack of attention of these factors can lead to a significant lag between the timing of discussions on a bioenergy program and the timing of its
SC
implementation [26].
The specific attitude of a society towards climate change or replacement of fossil fuels
M AN U
with renewable energy sources should be distinguished from the attitude related to a bioenergy plant installation in its area. Hardly anyone opposes to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, but relatively easily responds negatively to the operation of a bioenergy unit next to him/her. This is known as ‘Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) effect’. It is a
TE D
complex behavior that raises opposition for local development [26]. Acceptance by local societies is not a static but dynamic phenomenon. It follows a U curve, relating the time path of public adjustment to a renewable energy sources project,
EP
explaining what might cause transition from one phase to the next (Fig. 2). The attitude of a local community differs depending on the stage of the project (pre-announcement, post-
AC C
announcement, after completion), and may change during the same phase, since it is essentially a human behavior that is affected by a variety of parameters [27].
2.3 Market acceptance
Market acceptance refers to the adoption of a new technology in a market [17]. Accepting bioenergy production systems from the wider market, in terms of economy, is the degree of the adoption of technology by consumers, investors, suppliers, and other market 5
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT carriers. The introduction of new energy technologies to the market by scientists and innovators is always faster, than the public understanding [28]. Recognizing the level of customer awareness and their adoption process is a key factor for developing innovative
RI PT
products in a market [29]. Besides consumers, the focus is also on investors and intra-firms’ acceptance of new energy technologies. Investors or companies can play a very important role as stakeholders,
SC
and some of them are very influential in the process of policy making or financial systems related to energy systems [17].
M AN U
Approaches, technologies, and systems, that protect natural resources and advance environmental, economic, and social benefits are needed to shape sustainability, which should proactively identify and address issues that affect the scale-up potential, public
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acceptance, and long-term viability of advanced bioenergy systems.
3. Further developments
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For the deploying of bioenergy, it is important to have clear insight into what would be
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done for enhancing the social implications, at various levels [19]: Project planning and development level
Social acceptance needs to be considered by the developers of the project, as well as related local and regional government policy makers. Involvement of the local community in planning and development, or even (co-)ownership, may lead to higher social acceptance. •
Higher policy-making level
Policymakers must consider social acceptance as one of the determining factors in the predictability of investments. Social acceptance levels may be influenced through for example information and transparency rules, campaigns, and support mechanisms. 6
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT •
Public level
Social acceptance of bioenergy by the public is essential to the political legitimacy of the bioenergy industry, and the willingness of policy-makers to introduce or maintain supportive
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policy schemes for bioenergy. The complex and multi-faceted supply chains of bioenergy projects call for careful consideration of sustainability issues and well-thought-out regulatory frameworks. Local level
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The attitude which a local community adopts towards a bioenergy unit is more dependent
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on the characteristics of the specific local and wider society at state level than on the technology applied or its functional characteristics. •
Investors level
Bioenergy investments should be driven by technological analysis. Bioenergy experts are
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the key persons who can provide new information to policy makers and public. It is also important to have clear insight into the specific elements that influence public attitudes to enhance social acceptance [9], such as: Awareness of climate change and knowledge of the technology,
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Fairness of the decision-making process,
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Costs, risk and benefits of a technology,
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Characteristics of the local context, Trust in decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders.
3.1 Awareness
Social acceptance can be influenced by both, the awareness of climate change and its impacts, and the knowledge of the renewable energy sources technologies. Increased awareness can boost the willingness to counteract climate change and the acceptance of 7
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT climate-friendly technologies [30]. For new technologies, timely, complete and balanced knowledge needs to be provided to raise awareness on costs, risks, and benefits. [31].
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3.2 Fairness
Awareness-raising is important to give all stakeholders the opportunity to be involved in a fair process. Perceived fairness is generally higher if decision-makers are trustworthy. In
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turn, a fair and inclusive process leads to trust in decision-makers. Procedures should be fair by being open and transparent, giving the opportunity to the public and stakeholders to have a
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voice in decisions [9]. In addition, joint ownership or community co-ownership of projects can lead to higher social acceptance [31].
Five principles on decision making should be respected [3]: Openness (sharing all relevant information),
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Inclusiveness (interacting with all stakeholders),
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Responsiveness (listening to the community and stakeholder concerns),
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Accountability (ongoing process of monitoring, evaluation, and participation), and
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Flexibility (preparing for local requests and being open to amendments)
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3.3 Assessment of costs, risks, and benefits
Social acceptance depends on the assessment of the costs, benefits, and potential risks. Public and stakeholders need information on the above issues. This assessment is inherently subjective, as the public does not usually have complete knowledge or adequate information. The assessment is therefore, a result of the level of awareness, or it is based on an assessment made by someone else, such as the project developer, the government, or an interest group [19].
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ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 3.4 Local context
Rational objections to projects and specific fears and emotions should be identified, discussed, and dealt, because individual projects regularly face resistance from the local
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community [32].
Understanding what people expect from the future energy technologies can help
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designing successful policies.
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3.5 Trust
Public trust in decision-makers and other stakeholders can influence the acceptance of bioenergy. Public trust in stakeholders depends on the perception of their organizational competence and integrity.
The element of trust can be considered as a cross-cutting issue, as it influences the other
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4. Conclusions
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four elements discussed above, and is in turn also influenced by them [19].
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Social acceptance of bioenergy concerns the study of a social behavior, which is nonstatic not only at country level but at community level. Fears, caused by lack of information, knowledge, and environmental concerns on the emissions, often lead to conflicts, resistance, and low acceptance of bioenergy projects. The attitude which, a local community adopts bioenergy, is more dependent on its specific characteristics, plant’s size, and location, than on functional characteristics of the technology.
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ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT Efforts are needed on spreading information about bioenergy technologies, resources, and systems, on policies integration, and strategies implementation, with focus on
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sustainability.
References
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[1]
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(accessed on April 2017)
**L. Acosta-Michlik, W. Lucht, A. Bondeau. Integrated assessment of sustainability trade-offs and pathways for global bioenergy production: Framing a novel hybrid approach, Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 15(2011), 2791–2809.
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[3] **R. Schubert, J. Blasch. Sustainability standards for bioenergy–A means to reduce climate change risks?, Energy Policy 38(2010), 2797–2805. [4]
**R. I. Radics, S. Dasmohapatra, S. S. Kelley. Public perception of bioenergy in North
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Carolina and Tennessee. Energy, Sustainability and Society, 6 (17), (2016). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13705-016-0081-0 **G. Mendes Souza, M. Victoria R. Ballester, C. Henrique de Brito Cruz, H. Chum, L.
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*P. Dwivedi, J.R.R. Alavalapati. Stakeholders’ perceptions on forest biomass-based bioenergy development in the southern US, Energy Policy 37 (2009), 1999–2007.
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[10] **C. P. Mitchell. Development of decision support systems for bioenergy applications ,Biomass and Bioenergy 18(4) (2000), 265-278.
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[12] ***C. Ingrao, J. Bacenetti, A. Bezama, V. Blok, J. Geldermann, P. Goglio, E.
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Agricultural and forest biomass for food, materials and energy: bio-economy as the cornerstone to cleaner production and more sustainable consumption patterns for accelerating the transition towards equitable, sustainable, post fossil-carbon societies, Journal of Cleaner Production,117 (20) (2016), 4-6. [13] ***N. Scarlat, J-F. Dallemand, F. Monforti-Ferrario, V. Nita. The role of biomass and bioenergy in a future bioeconomy: Policies and facts Environmental Development. 15 (2015), 3-34.
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ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT [14] *K. McCormick. Communicating bioenergy: a growing challenge, Biofuels Bioprod. Biorefin 4(2010), 494–502. [15] ***P. Halder, P. Prokop, C.-Y. Chang, M. Usak, J. Pietarinen, S. Havu-Nuutinen, M.
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Diffusion of renewable energy technologies India: United Nations Development Programme (2011), 129.
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[17] ***R.Wüstenhagen, M. Wolsink, M.J. Bürer . Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Innovation : an Introduction to the Concept, Energy Policy 35 (5) (2007), 2683-2691. [18] ***C Dermont, K. Ingold, L. Kammermann , I. Stadelmann-Steffen. Bringing the policy making perspective in: A political science approach to social acceptance, Energy
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Policy 108 (2017) 359–368.
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community renewable energy projects in England and Wales, Working Paper 2: Community Energy Initiatives Project (2007), 1-20. [21] *A.
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ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT [24] **R. J. Hooper, J. Li. Summary of the factors critical to the commercial application of bioenergy technologies, Biomass and Bioenergy 11(6) (1996), 469-474. [25] **G. Walter, H. Gutscher. Public acceptance of wind energy and bioenergy projects in
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the framework of distributive and procedural justice theories: Insights form Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Zurich The Advisory House, 2011.
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assessment: A case study of energy technologies, Technology in Society 29 (2007), 63– 78.
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[27] ***P. Devine-Wright. Beyond NIMBYISM: Towards an Integrated Framework for Understanding Public Perceptions of Wind Energy, Wind Energy 8 (2005), 125–139. [28] *National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), Energy Industry Reports, Washington, (2009).
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[29] **A.Tapaninen, M. Seppänen. Customers' Knowledge and Personal Attributes in Promoting Demand for Wood Pellet Heating Technologies, IEEE, (2008). http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.ludwig.lub.lu.se/stampPDF/getPDF.jsp?tp=&arnumber=04738
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[30] **E. Strazzera, M. Mura, D. Contu. Combining choice experiments with psychometric
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scales to assess the social acceptability of wind energy projects: A latent class approach, Energy Policy 48 (2012), 334-347. [31] *United Nations Development Programme, Handbook for Conducting Technology needs Assessment for Climate Change, New York, 2014. http://tech-action.org/media/k2/attachments/TNA_Handbook_Nov2010_13.pdf (accessed on December 2016) [32] *J. de Boer, C. Zuidema. Towards an integrated energy landscape, Paper for AESOPACSP Joint Congress, University College Dublin,15-19 July 2013. 13
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT http://www/edgar-program.com/uploads/fckconnetctor/e887aba0-681d-4e00
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(assessed December 2014)
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Figures
Figure 1. The triangle of social acceptance of bioenergy [14].
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Figure 2. Acceptance of RES projects in a local area before, during and after the project implementation
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT Socio-political acceptance of technologies and policies Public Key stakeholders
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Policy makers
Market acceptance
Procedural justice
Consumers
Distributional justice
Investors
Intra-Firm
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Trust
Fig. 1
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Community acceptance
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Low
during implementation
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before
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Acceptance
High
Fig. 2
after
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT Highlights •
Acceptance of bioenergy depends on the characteristics of the specific community. Awareness of climate change, technology knowledge, fairness boosts
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acceptance.
Sustainability should be carefully considered in bioenergy projects.
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•