Funding source
European Commission – DG ENER

Duration
December 2018 to November 2020

Project URL
N/A

Project information
Thematic keywords

  • Projects of Common Interest (PCIs)
  • Energy transition
  • Trans-European energy infrastructure
  • Trans- European Networks for Energy (TEN-E)
  • Public awareness, trust and acceptance
  • Communication campaign and awareness raising

Methodological keywords

  • Desk research, Interviews & surveys
  • Quantification and ranking
  • Perceptual analysis
  • Webinars & events
  • Stakeholder engagement & Communication
  • Best practices

Project narrative

In line with its ambition to become climate-neutral by 2050, the European Commission supports interconnection improvements and the modernisation of the electricity market. Among others, regional groups have been established to identify trans-European energy infrastructure projects that have a considerable cross-border impact. These are considered Projects of Common Interest (PCIs). Since investments in PCIs are made for 20 to 60 years, it is crucial to ensure their smooth implementation by creating high levels of public awareness, trust and acceptance.

This project aimed to test innovative communication actions and materials in two areas to increase public understanding and acceptance towards the development of PCIs and speed up the implementation of key electricity infrastructure.

We contributed to identifying and quantifying drivers and barriers to public acceptance at EU level through a multi-component survey. We also ranked Member States based on the level of public acceptance and other variables to facilitate the selection of two pilot areas for enhanced communications.