Knowledge might not be enough: acceptance of energy communities across the urban-rural divide

The transition towards a sustainable energy model requires broad consensus for success. This paper analyses the role of environmental conscience, (general and specific) knowledge, and social context on the acceptance of Energy Communities (ECs) in a sample of individuals living in urban and rural Catalan municipalities with and without Energy Communities. Regression estimates show that while having an environmental conscience has direct and positive, albeit small, effects on the acceptance of ECs, the effects of social context and specific knowledge of the ECs are larger and only arise through the urban-rural divide and differences in individual characteristics (education and labour status), respectively. In contrast, a general knowledge of climate agreements and environmental regulations does not change the acceptance of ECs, neither directly nor mediated by the urban-rural divide. Public policies supporting energy communities should prioritize removing legal barriers, target rural areas first, and tailor communication and education efforts to diverse social groups.