The Role of Individual Responsibility and Values In Driving Energy Decarbonisation: An Analysis Across European Countries

The decarbonisation of the energy system is a critical component of the global response to climate change. While much attention has been given to technological and policy innovations, this paper focuses on the often-overlooked role of individual responsibility attribution and value orientation in shaping support for climate action. Using microdata from the 2023/2024 European Social Survey (ESS Round 11), we empirically test the influence of personal values, trust in institutions, and individual perceptions of responsibility on support for energy decarbonisation across 26 European countries. Drawing on the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) frameworks, we develop and estimate a two-stage empirical model that accounts for individual and contextual heterogeneity. Results confirm that self-transcendence values, trust in public institutions, and the belief in shared climate responsibility (among individuals, governments, and businesses) are significant predictors of behavioural support for decarbonisation. However, national differences in income level and inequality, as well as institutional quality, moderate these effects. Our findings suggest that policies aimed at accelerating the energy transition must not only invest in infrastructure and innovation but also foster value-based engagement, trust-building, and inclusive climate narratives tailored to different socio-economic contexts. The paper recommends that policymakers design communication and incentive strategies that resonate with diverse value profiles to effectively mobilise public support for decarbonisation.