Is it information or predispositions? Measuring the long-term effect of information on opinion formation about new energy technologies in Switzerland

In today's societies, new technologies offer many opportunities but also pose challenges and uncertainties. The question of which technologies to use is becoming an increasingly political issue, with the potential to lead to polarisation and affect electoral outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how citizens form their opinions about new technological solutions in the field of seasonal thermal energy storage (STES). Drawing on public opinion research and research on technology acceptance , this study investigates how individuals form opinions about these novel technologies, distinguishing between systematic and heuristic information processing. Using a three-wave panel survey conducted in Switzerland between 2022 and 2024, we examine whether information effects persist over time depending on the information’s format and content, and compare them to the role of general predispositions, i.e., political ideology and trust in science. Our findings show that factual information, particularly in video format, can improve perceptions of STES among initially unaware respondents. However, opinion formation is primarily driven by general predispositions. This suggests that the politicisation of energy issues can influence attitudes towards emerging technologies even before they become subjects of public debate.