Volume 3 Number 1 2025
The Socio-economic Effects of Transitioning from Conventional Energy Sources to Renewable Energy Systems
Md. Rahedul Islam1*, Ashok Kumar Chowdhury2
Energy Environment and Economy 3 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/energy.3110320
Submitted: 17 February 2025 Revised: 03 April 2025 Published: 05 April 2025
Abstract
Background: Global efforts to transition from fossil fuels as energy sources to renewable energy (RE) sources have arisen from concerns about environmental sustainability and from development agenda for sustainable development. Whereas there is a general consensus about the benefits of RE, it is less clear what the socio-economic effects are: jobs, energy access and costs, health. Methods: A structured survey was designed and undertaken to provide a report to share with a total of 200 different respondents from different age categories and occupations. The survey contained items to report responses regarding knowledge of renewable energy technologies, job trends, energy access or costs, health perception, and government support. Respondent reports were compiled to outline key trends and obstacles to moving more towards renewable energy. Results: Strong public awareness and support for renewable energy was evident with 70.5% indicating the most favored type of renewable energy source was solar. Environmental and health benefits are also acknowledged and some benefit was reported to the participant’s energy access but mostly people advised that increased government support and incentives were needed to ensure an equitable and inclusive energy transition at the heart of government policy. Over half of the participants also reported improvement in energy access and in particular many reported decreased utility costs also. Conclusion: The findings of the survey indicated that whole-hearted support in socio-economic benefits and high levels of support and acceptance shown by public support of renewable energy adaptation.
Keywords: Renewable energy, socio-economic impact, energy transition, survey analysis, sustainability
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