The report addresses the question of how to assess the social acceptance of energy system transformation pathways. The main argument is that most of existing research is interested in short-term decisions and changes, which are not well compatible with multi-dimensional and longer-term scenarios. This is then the argument for proposing an adaptation needs indicator that takes exactly this comprehensive/multidimensional and “long-term” perspective, i.e. that informs about the additive “hurdles” from a legal and political perspective that accumulate when moving forward along the different pathways. The report concludes with recommendations aimed at anticipating social acceptance when modelling and planning future energy system pathways.
