Public opposition to coal-fired power in emerging economies

Constructing new coal fired power plants presents significant climate, ecological, health, and economic risks. This presents sometimes acute tradeoffs for leaders in emerging economies, where rapid economic and population growth are driving large increases in electricity generation demand. Against this backdrop, combining a novel conjoint experiment with qualitative interviews, we find widespread public opposition to coal-fired power. We also find that this opposition is politically consequential, diminishing support for politicians who support coal-fired power and increasing expressed propensity to engage in social protest. These findings inform our understanding of the social reception of coal infrastructure, as well as the political implications of energy development in key emerging economies. • Conjoint survey experiment on energy development in India, Turkey, and South Africa. • Respondents disfavor coal projects relative to gas, solar, and wind energy projects. • Respondents report diminished support for politicians who sponsor coal projects. • Respondents report increased propensity to protest coal projects.