Renewable Energy Literacy and Multidimensional Energy-Saving Behavior in Indonesia: The Roles of Personal Energy Values and Energy Attitudes.

BACKGROUND

Demand-side behavioral change is an important component of sustainable energy transitions, yet limited evidence explains how renewable energy literacy translates into distinct forms of energy-saving behavior in emerging economies.

METHODS

This cross-sectional quantitative explanatory study surveyed 195 members of the Indonesia Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association. Renewable energy literacy was modeled as the predictor, personal energy values and energy attitudes as mediators, and energy-saving behavior as a multidimensional second-order construct comprising curtailment, efficiency, and pro-social behaviors. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling in SmartPLS 4 with 5,000 bootstrap resamples.

RESULTS

Renewable energy literacy was positively associated with energy-saving behavior directly and indirectly through personal energy values and energy attitudes. The total effect of renewable energy literacy on energy-saving behavior was substantial (β = 0.599, p < .001), while the direct effect was smaller (β = 0.182, p = .023). Personal energy values (indirect β = 0.241, p < .001; VAF = 57%) and energy attitudes (indirect β = 0.176, p < .001; VAF = 49%) both partially mediated this relationship. Mediated effects were stronger for pro-social and curtailment behaviors than for efficiency behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Literacy-based interventions can support energy conservation by strengthening conservation-oriented values and favorable attitudes. However, efficiency-related actions may require complementary economic or policy instruments because they are more likely to involve capital investment and structural constraints.