Assessing the Extent of the Fukushima Effect on Perception of Multiple Energy Sources and its Implications for Energy Policy

35 Pages Posted: 5 Feb 2014

See all articles by Michael Nippa

Michael Nippa

Free University of Bozen-Bolzano - School of Economics and Management

Roh Pin Lee

Freiberg University of Mining and Technology

Date Written: July 1, 2013

Abstract

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the impact of an unexpected shock to the energy system on affective and cognitive perception of nuclear, coal, natural gas, oil, biomass, solar, and wind energy sources. Surveys conducted with young adults shortly before and after the Fukushima nuclear accident allowed for the identification of key image associations, affects and cognitive beliefs toward multiple energy sources and the examination of the extent of a potential Fukushima effect on energy perception. No support for an affective Fukushima effect is found as image associations and affects toward each energy source remain stable in the aftermath of the nuclear disaster. However, a significant and complex cognitive Fukushima effect on participants’ beliefs is observed. Study findings provide empirical evidence of the relative stability of affective energy perception in the aftermath of an unexpected shock. Furthermore, it highlights the complexity and interdependencies of affective and cognitive energy perception and emphasizes the value of comparative examination of multiple energy sources. Implications for future research and policy makers are discussed.

Keywords: Fukushima effect, energy perceptions, affective images, association technique

JEL Classification: M10, Q4

Suggested Citation

Nippa, Michael and Lee, Roh Pin, Assessing the Extent of the Fukushima Effect on Perception of Multiple Energy Sources and its Implications for Energy Policy (July 1, 2013). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2390093 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2390093

Michael Nippa (Contact Author)

Free University of Bozen-Bolzano - School of Economics and Management ( email )

Via Sernesi 1
39100 Bozen-Bolzano (BZ), Bozen 39100
Italy
+39.0471.013.181 (Phone)

Roh Pin Lee

Freiberg University of Mining and Technology ( email )

Freiberg, 09596
Germany

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