An exploratory study on ethical aspects in participatory research on renewable energy

Abstract

In this paper an approach to understand ethical issues in green energy innovation actions among participants in a research programme in a small island is presented. Issues related to the participation of citizens in research activities carried out under the frame of energy transition are explored directly with participants through interviews performed at the beginning of the research project. All island's participants on the project produced their opinions about communication in the project, implications for participating, responsibilities as volunteers, expectations. Also, insights about volunteers' perceptions on the project's management of privacy, personal data handling, social implications, ecological meanings, and engagement are explored. The paper highlights some different ethical issues not covered (or covered to an inadequate degree) in the academic literature which are facing stakeholders (particularly volunteers) in the renewable energy sector.