Cultural and demographic energy system awareness and preference: Implications for future energy system design in the United States

This research investigates the differences in awareness and preference of racial groups toward the types of energy that they would like to see incorporated into the future energy system. Based on a national survey of 3000 respondents conducted in 2020, we analyze the differences in awareness, preferences and attitudes among racial groups in the US, and how they will influence future energy system design, cognizant of a rapidly changing demographic. Utilizing robust statistical analysis methods, we ascertain cultural and demographic based differences in energy technology awareness, opinions and deployment preferences, and, building on this evidence base, develop an energy system model which allocates these preferences toward future energy system design. The findings are contrasted with current national energy system goals, highlighting the need for both bottom-up policy input which is culturally and demographically aware, alongside top-down energy system goals and guidelines.