Table 1: Eurobarometer survey of EU opinion about technological development

	Average Score
Telecommunications	2.83
Information Technology	2.79
Solar Energy	2.74
Internet	2.69
New Materials	2.69
Space Exploration	2.51
Genetic Engineering	2.12
Nuclear Energy	1.85

Analysis across specific countries indicated highest average scores for solar energy in the Netherlands (2.94), Austria (2.84), Denmark (2.83) and Finland (2.81), with slightly lower scores in Greece (2.56). All of these average country ratings exceed country ratings for nuclear energy, since the highest country ratings for nuclear were Spain (2.05), Sweden (2.03), France (2.02) and the UK (2.0). Lower scores were recorded in Greece (1.18), Austria (1.54) and Denmark (1.64). Further analysis with regard to socio-demographic characteristics indicated that the average for all technologies is higher amongst males than females; falls with age and rises with income and education. In line with this, highest scores were found amongst managers and students, with lower scores amongst the selfemployed, unemployed and employees.

Finally, lowest scores were found amongst those at home and pensioners. Analysis across time indicated similar levels for solar energy in 1996 (72% positive scores) and 1999 (73% positive scores). No data was provided for nuclear energy in 1996. These type of studies have consistently demonstrated more positive public attitudes towards renewables in comparison to nuclear energy, as indicated by the survey above with higher scores for solar energy than nuclear energy. However, single-item studies provide a rather limited basis of knowledge, since it is difficult without further questions to judge the reasons underlying specific results.

Secondly, there is the very high prevalence of case-study research that has focused upon specific spatial contexts at the micro-level (e.g. RBA Research, 2002). This has led to some difficulty in providing an evolving, cumulative knowledge base in energy attitude research. Few existing studies have posed questions at both specific (e.g. your home, your locality) and more general levels. The third weakness identified in the research literature is the relative lack of work carried out outside of the countries cited above in North America and Western Europe. In the context of the imminent accession of Associated States in Eastern Europe to the European Union, policy makers will need access to research findings have a broader geographical remit – particularly for states such as Bulgaria and Romania with far lower general levels of socio-economic wealth per capita than other EU countries.

This study attempted to address these deficiencies by undertaking research that addressed more than one type of energy source, at different levels of analysis and with a data set of participants that were drawn from several European countries, including those in the Associated States. The purpose of the study was to assess public awareness of, and attitudes towards various energy sources, in specific EU and Associated States. The study forms one part of a larger EU funded research project (INTUSER - Information Network on the Technology of Utilisation and Sustainability of Energy Resources), which aims to promote effective dialogue between the public, scientists and policy makers in Europe, as a means of promoting better policy making and practice.