Analysis of user behaviour towards the use of renewable energy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15170/MM.2024.58.03.03Keywords:
use of renewable energies, theory of planned behaviour, attitudes, behavioural intentionsAbstract
THE AIMS OF THE PAPER
Understanding and modeling renewable energy use behavior is critical for the widespread deployment of renewable energy technologies. This study aims to investigate the intention to use renewable energy among residential users in Hungary by applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB). To enhance the explanatory power of the TPB model, we employed an extended version that incorporates environmental concern, positing that this factor significantly influences the formation of intention to use renewable energy.
METHODOLOGY
To collect the data, we conducted an online survey targeting the population aged 18 and over in Hungary during November and December 2022. The sample consisted of 400 respondents, 56% of whom were female and 44% male, with an average age of 41. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, and model hypotheses were tested using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) with AMOS.
MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS
The analysis revealed that the intention of residential users to use renewable energy sources is directly and positively influenced by subjective norms and attitudes. Additionally, environmental concerns indirectly affect this intention through their impact on attitudes towards renewable energy. Among these factors, subjective norms exert the strongest influence on the behavioral intention to use renewable energy. However, no significant relationship was found between perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention.
ROCOMMENDATIONS
Campaigns to promote renewable energy should emphasize the social acceptance of renewable energy. Additionally, these campaigns should aim to raise awareness about the positive environmental impacts of renewable energy sources and their role in addressing energy dependency and energy poverty. This research is also valuable for academics and researchers interested in applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to model individual decision-making regarding renewable energy use. Our study extends the original TPB model and confirms the indirect role of environmental concern in shaping the intention to use renewable energy sources.
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