5th Computational Methods and Ocean Technology (COTech 2026)

The Trust Paradox in Renewable Technology Adoption: Balancing Acceptance and Risk Perception in Offshore Oil and Gas

Not scheduled

20m

KE E-102 (University of Stavanger, Norway)

Paper Contribution Smart Operations and Maintenanc

Speaker

Ms Anne Marit Gårseth (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

Description

Renewable and low-emission technologies are increasingly used in green transition. However, the introduction of new technologies also creates uncertainties and risks, particularly in the safety-critical industries such as offshore oil and gas production. While trust has been shown to promote acceptance of technology, it can also reduce risk perception by lowering perceptions of the likelihood and severity of adverse events. This creates a challenge for organizations pursuing green transition initiatives.
This paper investigates how organizations can balance trust and risk perception in the adoption of renewable technologies. A case study was conducted on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), focusing on electrification of offshore oil and gas production. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with industry experts and analyzed using the Gioia methodology.
The findings suggest that organizational risk management practices, particularly risk communication, training and learning, and risk aversion, can balance technology acceptance and protection motivation. Based on these findings, a theoretical framework integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is proposed. The framework may support organizations in adopting renewable technologies while maintaining effective risk management during the green transition.