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

Pan He, Stefania Lovo*, Marcella Veronesi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
Article number105789
JournalEnergy Economics
Volume106
Number of pages13
ISSN0140-9883
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • Social networks
  • Social influence
  • Information diffusion
  • Renewable energy
  • Biogas
  • China

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