8. Risk perception and risk communication

In addition to aspects of nature conservation, environmental protection and disfiguration of the landscape, discussions and media coverage are characterised by questions on the health risks from static and low-frequency fields. Emotions and fears among the public play a fairly significant part.

The issue concerning the technical design of power supply installations and also the potential health risks from electric and magnetic fields, is very complex. That is why it is difficult for the citizens to maintain an overview of and to assess all related aspects. Moreover, authority staff and elected political representatives often do not have sufficient expertise to be able to answer all questions competently.

In this part of the research programme, the citizens' knowledge and risk perception and the public's need for information is determined. On that basis, it will be clarified how information has to be prepared and how and by whom it should be conveyed in order to reach the widest possible public.

The programme also investigates which factors are decisive for public opinion formation and how the credibility of the involved authorities and the confidence in the individuals acting on their behalf can be ensured or enhanced.

The projects in the scope of the research priority of risk communication are intended to counterbalance the citizens' uncertainty about the health effects of electricity lines. The aim is to contribute to the citizens forming their own well-founded opinions using the provided information.

Research projects

8.1. Workshop on various aspects of communication in the process of power grid expansion

In order to discuss the current knowledge from socio-scientific research among interested and professional members of the public, a workshop was held from 29 to 30 November 2017 in Munich. The main topics were discourse approach, credibility, confidence, transparency and "lessons learned" from practical examples of power grid expansion so far. Due to some questions resulting from the workshop there will soon be a call for the conception and organisation of a second workshop.

8.2. Surveys to determine public concern

Representative and regular surveys provide a suitable basis for reacting to public concerns and needs with target-group-specific information and communication measures. Several surveys shall be conducted with an interval of ca. two years. The project for the first survey startet on 1 August 2018.

8.3. Investigation of the effect of on-site exposure measurements on the risk perception and the credibility of and the confidence in Länder authorities and grid operators

Which factors enhance credibility and confidence and which ones weaken them? What is the effect of on-site measurements carried out by Länder authorities and grid operators - are they considered useful? These questions are to be used to review the current strategy to inform the public.

8.4. Investigation of the role of authorities at events

The significance of the authorities' presence (lectures and attending panel discussions) at information events is determined. Ways of perceiving and processing information are to be researched. Approaches to improve the authorities' communication at events and to enhance confidence in authorities are determined.

8.5. Investigating the possibilities of local authorities (public health departments, medical officers and immission control authorities) as disseminators for risk communication in the process of power grid expansion

Staff members of various authorities (public health departments, especially medical officers and immission control authorities) are interviewed about their willingness and possibilities to act as disseminators for risk communication in the process of power grid expansion. In the interviews they are asked about their knowledge on radiation protection in the process of grid expansion. The results will show if additional information is also required with respect to the operational execution of events on risk communication. A tool for supporting the staff members and for conveying the necessary information (e.g. online training, sample presentations on video, FAQ, info brochures) is being developed. The necessary type of the tool and the method of its dissemination are to be determined as well. This tool will be tested, optimised and evaluated in cooperation with the target group.

8.6. Evaluation of risk communication measures

How does information have to be presented in order to be accessible and accepted by the residents living near high-voltage power lines? Is the available information presented in an appropriate and understandable form at the right place? Answering these questions contributes to shaping the provided information which allows citizens to form their own well-founded opinions. In a research project texts and messages of the BfS regarding power grid expansion will be evaluated. It is carried out by the 'izt - Institut für Zukunftsstudien und Technologiebewertung gemeinnützige GmbH' and started on 1 August 2018.

8.7. Investigation of opinion formation

How does information have to be prepared in order to be accepted by target groups (in this case residents living near high-voltage power lines)? An analysis of exchanged opinions, of "believing", of "knowing" and of the willingness to exchange opinions and evaluations in the process of power grid expansion is being carried out.

Outcome of the online consultation