Effects of climate policy attitudes and populism on the acceptance of renewable energy infrastructure in Germany

The energy transition in Germany, although supported nationally by widespread recognition of climate change, faces significant local opposition. This gap raises questions about the factors influencing individual attitudes towards renewable energy infrastructures. Drawing on the literature about the acceptance of renewable energy, we examine the impact of attitudes towards climate policy, populism and place attachment on the acceptance of renewable energy infrastructure. Additionally, we examine differences in acceptance between East and West Germany. Using instrumental variables (IV) regression and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition with a representative survey sample of 8,643 individuals, our study shows that positive attitudes towards climate policy significantly increase the acceptance of renewable energy infrastructures in Germany. Conversely, populist attitudes are associated with lower levels of acceptance. While place attachment has no significant effect, acceptance is notably lower in East than in West Germany. These results provide insights into the complex reasons behind the acceptance or rejection of renewable energy projects and highlight the need for climate policies that are sensitive to regional and political nuances. Tailored communication strategies that take these differences into account are essential to foster acceptance and bridge the gap between general acceptance and local rejection. In conclusion, the successful advancement of the energy transition in Germany requires acknowledging and addressing the diverse socio-cultural contexts across the country.