Quantifying renewable energy externalities in the UK: Evidence from subjective and objective well-being data

Sustaining well-being while completing the transition to a net-zero world is crucial, as it ensures that the pursuit of environmental goals does not come at the expense of social and economic stability. This project aims to be the first comprehensive assessment of renewable energy (RE) externalities in the UK using a subjective well-being approach. Leveraging Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and highly detailed individual-level data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS), the project analyses the subjective well-being of individuals in relation to their proximity to various renewable energy installations, including wind, solar, and different bio-energy generation technologies.

To ensure the robustness of the findings, the project employs advanced fixed-effects panel regression models and different matching strategies to identify and quantify the local externalities associated with these RE installations. Additionally, to complement the subjective well-being data and provide an objective measure of mental health, regional prescription data for depression medication is incorporated into the analysis. Through this approach, the project seeks to provide valuable insights into the social and environmental impacts of renewable energy deployment in the UK, with potential implications for energy policy and public health.