Integrating Social Dimensions into Future Sustainable Energy Supply Networks

Matevz Obrecht, Yigit Kazancoglu and Matjaz Denac
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Matevz Obrecht: Department for Sustainable Logistics and Mobility, Faculty of Logistics, University of Maribor, Mariborska Cesta 7, 3000 Celje, Slovenia
Yigit Kazancoglu: Department for International Logistics Management, Yasar University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
Matjaz Denac: Department for Technology and Entrepreneurial Environment Protection, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, Razlagova 14, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: Environmental protection and sustainable development have become an inevitable trend in many areas, including the energy industry. The development of energy supply networks is strongly correlated with the economics of energy sources as well as ecological and socio-political issues. However, the energy supply network is often distant from the social perspective. This paper therefore combines examination of perceptions and awareness of general public (web-based questionnaire) and top energy experts (a Delphi survey) on the energy supply network and identifies their potential integration in energy supply decision making processes. The results showed that public should be better informed as well as integrated into designing energy supply network as the prosumers gain power and the energy suppliers will no longer dominate the market. Public actors are ready to shape sustainable energy supply and also willing to pay 5.8% more for a sustainable energy supply. The majority are prepared to invest in renewable energy supply network close to their place of residence. Another result is that the public is calling for a shift in priority towards more sustainable and socially friendlier energy supply rather than focusing mainly on the economic and technical perspectives.

Keywords: energy supply network; public perception; social integration; sustainable energy; supply chain management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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