Danish Study Reveals Public Support for Carbon Capture Depends on Awareness

A recent study from the Technical University of Denmark sheds light on the public’s willingness to support carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives, a critical technology in the fight against climate change. Led by Jiwon Kim from the Department for Technology, Management and Economics, the research reveals that public demand for CCS can be significantly influenced by the information provided, the scale of the development, and the prior familiarity of individuals with the technology.

Conducted through a nationwide online survey targeting the Danish public from June to August 2022, this research employed the contingent valuation method to gauge not only awareness but also the economic implications of CCS. The findings suggest that as individuals become more familiar with carbon capture technologies, their support and willingness to invest in such initiatives increase. “Irrespective of CO2 reduction goals, enhancing familiarity with carbon capture storage can influence public support,” Kim noted, emphasizing the importance of education and outreach in promoting these technologies.

The study also explored the elasticity of willingness to pay concerning the magnitude of development. By conducting a scope test, the researchers ensured that their findings were both economically significant and valid, offering a nuanced understanding of how different scales of CCS projects can affect public perception and support. This insight is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders in the energy sector, as it can guide the design of strategies to foster greater public acceptance and investment.

The implications of this research are vast. As governments and private sectors ramp up efforts to meet ambitious climate targets, understanding public sentiment towards CCS can shape funding, policy decisions, and the overall trajectory of carbon management technologies. This study serves as a clarion call for the energy sector to engage in more robust public education initiatives, fostering familiarity with CCS technologies to build a supportive environment for future developments.

By addressing the gaps in public understanding and willingness to pay, the research published in ‘Communications Earth & Environment’ (translated as ‘Communications Earth and Environment’) provides actionable insights that can help bridge the divide between scientific innovation and public acceptance. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the findings from Kim and his colleagues could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of carbon management strategies, ultimately contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.

For more information on Jiwon Kim’s work, visit the lead_author_affiliation.

Scroll to Top
×