Public Acceptance and Socio-Economic Drivers of Renewable District Heating: Evidence from Italy

The decarbonisation of district heating (DH) is an important component of the European strategy to cut greenhouse-gas emissions, yet its feasibility depends as much on social and economic conditions as on technological innovation. The objective of this study is to assess how public perceptions and socio-economic drivers shape acceptance of renewable energy sources (RES) in DH in Italy. Drawing on a survey of 1200 residents in Turin, we examine how public attitudes towards decarbonised heating options, the integration of renewables and demand-side flexibility are influenced by socio-economic characteristics. These characteristics include income, education, age, housing tenure, eco-awareness, trust in institutions, and technological affinity. Results show widespread support for the efficiency and comfort benefits of DH. However, the results also show a limited willingness to pay more for renewable heat, particularly among economically vulnerable groups. The study has important implications for policy strategies facilitating climate change mitigation and the transition towards adopting RES in DH. In particular, it contributes novel evidence on the social constraints that may limit the effective deployment of renewable DH and clarifies which levers—economic incentives, institutional trust, and clarity about benefits, as well as community engagement—can increase public acceptance. By identifying these conditions, the study shows how renewable DH can realistically support the EU’s decarbonisation agenda.

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