Project outline

The aim of the research project is to apply, critically assess and develop further participatory multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) of selected future energy scenarios, and of individual renewable energy technologies (RETs), based on sustainability criteria of different dimensions (social, economic, environmental, institutional). Particularly, this involves -

• the compilation of a evaluation matrix for RETs and their social, environmental, and economic impacts through exploration and integration of existing databases and studies. End-use energy from non-renewable (fossil, nuclear) energy sources will also be included in the matrix for the creation of the energy scenarios envisaged, and the assessment of substitution processes involved. The focus is both on Austria as a whole and certain region-specific adaptations that take into account regional differences in impact, resource endowments, and the like;
  
  
  
• the exploration of the social preferences for four national (or regional) and local community energy scenarios: (a) business as usual, (b) market-driven green (low-cost RETs dominate), (c) planned green (focus on RET diversity), and (d) socially oriented - with a participatory approach;
  
  
  
• the use and evaluation of MCE tools and developing procedures for the participatory exploration of different energy scenarios at the national (or regional) and local community level.
  
  
  

The main methods applied are life-cycle analysis, scenario building, social surveys, expert interviews, deliberative processes, multi-criteria methods, and two case studies (national or regional level, local level).

The main innovative aspects of the project are: (1) systematic exploration of the social impacts of renewable energy technologies; (2) comparison of selected state-of-the-art multi-criteria approaches for their suitability in participatory contexts.

The expected main results (potential benefits) of the project for the scientific community and for potential users are: (1) Impact matrix and MCE tool that can be used: (a) by national/regional//local policy and other decision makers for exploring different energy scenarios; (b) by national/regional/local policy makers for finding out about preferences of the general public for different energy scenarios as a basis for the design of renewable energy promotion schemes; (c) for the structuring of and as an aid for participatory (or non-participatory) decision processes involving different scenarios. (2) The extension of the approach to be developed to other (energy) technologies is straightforward. (1) Scientific articles contributing to current debates on public consultation and participation, assessing future energy options and the suitability of different multi-criteria methods for participatory evaluation.