Analysis of Influencing Factors of the Energy Transition Process in Sustainable Nautical Tourism: Case Study—The Netherlands

Abstract

According to the International Maritime Organization, the shipping industry contributes to 3.3% of global CO2 emissions. Reducing carbon emissions by 50% for all ships by 2050 is the main concern of all stakeholders. In the last 20 years, the share of renewable energy sources in electricity production in the European Union has doubled, from around 15% to almost 35%. The main driver of this development has been the increase in the share of wind energy and solar photovoltaic energy. The authors of this paper aim to analyze the favorable influencing factors and the inhibiting factors affecting the energy transition process applied to nautical tourism, from polluting energy to renewable solar energy. The research approach consists of using the framework provided by the energy transition process from the perspective of the socio-technical and economic approach, by applying a qualitative research method with a deductive approach. The tool used to achieve the objective is a semi-structured interview, which brings up concrete issues that operators in this field are currently facing. The research unitarily, holistically, and specifically approaches the problem of energy transition from polluting sources to renewable ones offered by solar energy, in the case of nautical tourism with direct implications on the specific industry in The Netherlands. The research results are structured in four areas: technological, governance, economic, and user preferences. This research has the potential to provide support for finding optimal solutions to encourage users to accelerate the energy transition process by adopting sustainable solutions for nautical tourism.