Social networks and renewable energy technology adoption: empirical evidence from biogas adoption in China

He, P., Lovo, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6231-4142 and Veronesi, M. (2022) Social networks and renewable energy technology adoption: empirical evidence from biogas adoption in China. Energy Economics, 106. 105789. ISSN 0140-9883 doi: 10.1016/j.eneco.2021.105789

Abstract/Summary

We provide novel empirical evidence on the association between social networks and the adoption of renewable energy technology. We distinguish between two main transmission mechanisms through which social networks can affect renewable energy technology adoption: information diffusion and social influence. Using primarily collected data on biogas adoption in rural China, we find that both mechanisms are at work. In addition, we find that information spreads through trusted network members, such as friends and family, while social influence is mainly exercised by government officials. Government officials are more likely to promote the adoption of technology, leading by example rather than by spreading information.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/102083
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.eneco.2021.105789
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Politics, Economics and International Relations > Economics
Publisher	Elsevier
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