Preferences and behaviors in the era of energy transition

This thesis explores the behavioural dimensions of the energy transition by examining how individuals respond to governance arrangements and incentive schemes in the context of energy communities (ECs) and low-emission mobility policy. Methodologically, it applies experimental economics to the emerging field of ECs, investigating how heterogeneous energy profiles shape participation and benefit allocation preferences, and how cooperation evolves in a stylised producer-consumer setting. It further employs a fixed-effects research design to evaluate the effectiveness of the Italian bonus-malus policy in promoting the adoption of low-emission vehicles and to identify strategic anticipation among consumers. The findings suggest that decisions in collective energy projects are driven not only by economic incentives but also by behavioral characteristics, confirming the relevance of well-established concepts in behavioral economics – including social preferences and cognitive biases – also in sectors traditionally regarded as highly technical, such as energy. In the transport sector, subsidies significantly increase demand for low-emission vehicles but are limited in cost-effectiveness, which is further reduced when consumers strategically anticipate future policy changes. Overall, the thesis highlights the importance of incorporating behavioural considerations into the design of decarbonisation strategies. More broadly, it demonstrates the potential of experimental economics as a valuable tool for testing institutional arrangements and policy interventions before their large-scale implementation