NUON - Germans more optimistic than the Dutch about a more sustainable energy supply
Research undertaken by energy company Nuon has shown that the Germans and Dutch hold differing opinions about the transition to a more sustainable energy supply. In general, Germans are more optimistic about the future and are prepared to pay more for more sustainable energy. Meanwhile, the Dutch have greater higher expectations when it comes to the proportion of renewable energy usage in the future.When asked how long it will be before we are only using renewable energy for our electricity generation, 73% of Germans believe this will become a daily reality within 30 years, compared with 29% of the Dutch. A fifth of the people in the Netherlands believe that 100% sustainable energy will never be achieved. A similarly pessimistic picture is revealed when they are asked about their chances of winning Euro 2012. A third of Germans believe their team will be crowned European champions. Only one in seven Dutch fans see the Netherlands bringing home the trophy.There are also differences of opinion when it comes to the forms of energy people want to see used in the future. A third of Dutch people believe that more than 50% of energy should be sustainably generated, in comparison with only 5% of Germans. The Germans have a preference for sustainable energy too but are more likely than the Dutch to believe that coal and gas must also play a role.
In terms of the costs of the transition to sustainable energy generation, the Germans are also more likely to be prepared to pay more. Around 80% are willing to pay more for green energy, in comparison with 60% of Dutch people. The Germans believe that these extra costs should be covered by those that consume the energy (70%), whereas the Dutch would prefer to see the costs shared throughout the Dutch economy (42%).Both nations are price conscious, as can be seen in their purchasing considerations, for example when buying a new television to watch the football. For the Dutch and Germans, price is the most important aspect after how the device works. The energy efficiency of a device is considered important, although it does score lower. 28% of Germans still have an old television, in comparison with 18% of Dutch people.
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