Energy Literacy: A Systematic Review of the Scientific Literature

Oscar S. Santillán and Karla G. Cedano ()
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Oscar S. Santillán: Subdirección de Negocios de Redes, Dirección Corporativa de Operaciones, Comisión Federal de Electricidad, Río Ródano #14, 7mo. piso, Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México 06598, Mexico
Karla G. Cedano: Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Priv. Xochicalco s/n, Col. Centro, Temixco 62580, Mexico

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-19

Abstract: Amidst the global energy crisis, governments are pursuing transitions towards low-carbon energy systems. In addition to physical infrastructure, political and regulatory enablers, and knowledge and capacities, changes in the energy systems require an energy-literate citizenship. Energy literacy is the understanding of how energy is generated, transported, stored, distributed, and used; awareness about its environmental and social impacts; and the knowledge to use it efficiently. The objective of the study is to provide a systematic review of the literature concerning energy literacy. In the methodology followed, the 138 papers found were categorized and subcategorized according to the research field and the main research objective, respectively. The papers are later described together with similar studies. Results show that most of the work performed around energy literacy addresses its evaluation among different groups, particularly students at different levels, and the construction, application, and evaluation of tools for improving energy literacy. Also studied are the influence of energy literacy in decision-making, its drivers, and conceptual research about the topic. The discussion highlights the debate on the link between energy-literate persons and efficient energy use, the under-researched areas of energy literacy, and the key role of energy literacy in addressing the energy crisis.

Keywords: energy literacy; energy reviews; energy-related knowledge; energy transitions; energy education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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