Abstract

This article presents an approach to understanding ethical issues in renewable energy innovation actions among participants of a research program on a small island. Issues related to citizen participation in the research activities carried out within the framework of the energy transition are explored directly with the participants through interviews carried out at the beginning of the research project. All island participants in the project expressed their opinions about the communication in the project, the implications of participation, the responsibilities as volunteers, the expectations. In addition, insights into volunteers' perceptions of project management of privacy, handling of personal data, social implications, ecological meanings, and commitment are also explored. The paper highlights a few special ethical issues not covered in the academic literature faced by stakeholders in the renewable energy sector.