Table 3 The cluster centres (mean value [SD]) in each scenario regarding energy policy and its measures (those in bold are the ones that stand out between the clusters; scale from − 3 to 3)

Energy policy will be stable and predictable.

1.00 [0]

− 1.00 [0]

− 0.40 [1.34]

− 2.00 [1.00]

1.00 [0]

Climate policy and targets will become stricter.

1.67 [0.58]

2.00 [0.71]

2.20 [0.45]

2.33 [0.58]

2.33 [0.58]

Best support for renewable decentralised production is investment aid.

− 1.00 [0]

0.40 [0.89]

1.60 [1.52]

− 1.00 [2.65]

2.00 [1.00]

Best support for renewable decentralised production is long-term production support.

− 0.33 [1.15]

0.60 [1.14]

1.20 [1.30]

− 2.67 [0.58]

− 2.00 [1.00]

Best support for renewable decentralised production is a combination of investment aid and production support.

1.33 [1.15]

1.80 [0.45]

0.80 [0.84]

− 2.00 [1.00]

− 0.67 [1.53]

Best support for renewable decentralised production is tax allowances.

1.33 [0.58]

2.75 [0.50]

1.40 [1.14]

0.67 [1.53]

2.00 [0]

Energy subsidies should be neutral in terms of scale and technology.

1.00 [1.73]

1.00 [2.74]

2.00 [0.71]

− 1.67 [2.31]

1.67 [2.31]

Basis for energy subsidies should be energy efficiency.

− 1.00 [0]

1.60 [1.67]

2.40 [0.55]

0.67 [2.31]

1.00 [1.73]

Basis for energy subsidies should be flexible production capacity.

0.00 [1.00]

2.33 [0.58]

1.20 [0.84]

1.33 [2.08]

1.67 [0.58]

Basis for energy subsidies should be capability of storing energy.

− 0.33 [0.58]

2.50 [0.58]

1.40 [1.14]

2.67 [0.58]

1.67 [0.58]

Basis for energy subsidies should be the reduction of GHGs.

1.33 [0.58]

2.60 [0.55]

1.80 [0.84]

3.00 [0]

2.67 [0.58]

No form of energy or fuel should receive permanent subsidies.

0.33 [1.15]

2.60 [0.55]

1.80 [1.30]

2.50 [0.71]

3.00 [0]