GREENLIGHT: Generating Renewable Energy Education Network Leading Initiatives for Green & Harmonious Tomorrows

Despite its frequent use in daily life, energy is often misunderstood. Common misconceptions include:

• Energy can be “lost” or “destroyed”.
• Consumed energy changes irreversibly.
• Chemical energy can be “stored indefinitely”.

Energy …

• is not a description of a mechanism or anything ‘concrete’
• is not directly observable
• cannot be measured directly

These myths arise partly from insufficient education Ref . Students may incorrectly perceive energy as a tangible material or misunderstand its abstract, physical nature. For example, energy is often incorrectly equated to a fuel-like substance that is “used up.” To counter these misconceptions, it is essential to provide clear explanations of energy's principles in schools and the public domain.

Governments globally emphasize renewable energy systems to transition toward low-carbon futures. Public perception significantly affects these efforts, with challenges including “NIMBY” (Not In My Backyard) attitudes and myths about renewable energy’s costs and reliability. Addressing these through education and transparent communication is crucial for fostering energy citizenship Ref .