Choice awareness: The development of technological and institutional choice in the public debate of Danish energy planning

For a period of 25 years, Danish energy policy has been formed as a result of a process of conflicts. So far, this process has led to the implementation of radical technological changes, and Denmark has been able to show remarkable results on the international scene. This ability to act as a society has been possible, despite the conflicts with representatives of the old technologies. Official energy objectives and plans have been developed as a result of constant interaction between parliament and public participation, in which description of new technologies and alternative energy plans have played an important role. This article argues that public participation, and hence, the awareness of choices has been an important factor in the ultimate decision-making process. The conflictual debates should, therefore, be seen as necessary conditions for further improvements in the energy initiatives and programmes. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.