Navigating Socio-Technical Challenges in Energy Efficiency: Case Studies on Hybrid Pumped-Hydropower Storage in Poland and Greece

Mariusz Kruczek (), Malgorzata Markowska, Aikaterini Servou, Christos Roumpos, Eleni Mertiri, Priscilla Ernst, Jaroslaw Darmosz and Thomas Kempka ()
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Mariusz Kruczek: Central Mining Institute, National Research Institute, 40-166 Katowice, Poland
Malgorzata Markowska: Central Mining Institute, National Research Institute, 40-166 Katowice, Poland
Aikaterini Servou: Department of Mining Engineering and Closure Planning, Public Power Corporation of Greece (PPC), 104 32 Athens, Greece
Christos Roumpos: Department of Mining Engineering and Closure Planning, Public Power Corporation of Greece (PPC), 104 32 Athens, Greece
Eleni Mertiri: Department of Mining Engineering and Closure Planning, Public Power Corporation of Greece (PPC), 104 32 Athens, Greece
Priscilla Ernst: GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, 144 73 Potsdam, Germany
Jaroslaw Darmosz: PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna S.A., 97-400 Bełchatów, Poland
Thomas Kempka: GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, 144 73 Potsdam, Germany

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-32

Abstract: This study examines the socio-technical challenges and public acceptance of hybrid pumped-hydropower storage (HPHS) technology within the broader context of energy transition in two European coal-mining regions: Western Macedonia, Greece, and the Łódzkie Region, Poland. These regions, deeply rooted in lignite mining, face profound socio-economic transformations driven by the EU Green Deal and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The transition from coal dependency to renewable energy represents not only a critical environmental goal but also a significant socio-economic challenge for local communities, necessitating innovative and inclusive strategies to mitigate impacts and ensure equitable outcomes. The research integrates desk studies with stakeholder surveys (n = 129) to assess public awareness, perceived impacts, and acceptance of HPHS technology as a repurposing solution for decommissioned open-pit lignite mines. Results reveal that while awareness of the energy transition process is high (90% in Western Macedonia and 80% in Łódzkie Region), familiarity with HPHS technology varies significantly (76% and 48%, respectively). Support for implementing HPHS in former mining sites is stronger in Western Macedonia (73%) compared to Łódzkie Region (63%), with knowledge of HPHS correlating positively with acceptance (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). Both regions recognize the environmental benefits of HPHS, including improved air quality and biodiversity; yet, socio-economic challenges such as job losses, reduced income levels, and limited opportunities for reskilling persist, particularly in Łódzkie Region, where 77% of respondents view the energy transition as negatively impacting the labor market. By focusing on regions historically dependent on mining, this study highlights the critical role of addressing the unique needs of communities undergoing systemic transformation. The repurposing of former lignite mines into HPHS facilities offers a promising pathway for balancing environmental objectives with local socio-economic revitalization. However, success requires region-specific strategies, including transparent communication, stakeholder involvement, and targeted investment in workforce adaptation and infrastructure. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on how socially inclusive and technically feasible solutions can drive equitable energy transitions in post-mining regions.

Keywords: technology acceptance; energy transition; hybrid pumped-hydropower storage (HPHS) technology; energy efficiency (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: 2025
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