ENTRANCE / Lectoraat CBSS

Debates around renewable energy are often shaped by misinformation and disinformation, contributing to what scholars describe as "delayism": the strategic spread of misleading narratives to slow down the energy transition. These dynamics pose a critical challenge for energy transition professionals, who must operate in contested societal contexts where public resistance can significantly delay or block implementation. Project developers in the energy transition in The Netherlands and abroad often lack competencies needed to recognize, analyze, and counter misinformation, and to engage effectively with polarized audiences from different cultural backgrounds. More media literacy and resilience is needed to navigate complex information ecosystems.

Against this backdrop, the present project pursues three main objectives. First, it seeks to identify prevailing trends in mis- and disinformation narratives related to the energy transition in general, and renewable energies in particular. Second, it examines what factors can have an effect on public acceptance. Third, it aims to develop an evidence-based communication toolbox that can support transition developers. Therefore, Objective 1 is descriptive (identify myths), Objective 2 is analytical (analyze underlying factors in acceptance), and Objective 3 is design-oriented (toolbox creation). 

Research Questions:

1. What are the most common mis- and disinformation narratives related to energy transition and renewable energies spread on social media and traditional media?
2. What effect does disinformation have on public acceptance and what are other emerging underlying factors influencing acceptance? 
3. What key elements should be included in a strategic communication toolbox to help stakeholders support the energy transition?

This study adopts a mixed-methods research design that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. Specifically, the research combines a literature review, semi-structured expert interviews, and analysis of media content using Meltwater; this involved identifying and examining recurring narratives, sentiment patterns, message framing, key actors involved, and frequency of mentions across platforms. This helps to identify insights into which (mis)information narratives are most influential, how they circulate, and how they may affect public acceptance. These findings will support the development of more evidence-based communication strategies for improving stakeholder engagement and public acceptance.

This assignment can be done in a group of 2 students or individually.

Start date: beginnen second semester