Achieving a sustainable energy transition is crucial for mitigating
climate change. Citizens' acceptance of the transition is important for
it to succeed. We explored citizens' images of the future energy forms
and energy system in Finland, and the drivers of a sustainable energy
transition. The data gathered with an online questionnaire targeting an
adult population 17–75 years of age (N = 1012) were analysed with
exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression. Four
dimensions of future energy forms were identified: next-generation
renewables, fossil energy, bioenergy, and established renewable vs.
nuclear energy. Four dimensions of the future energy system were also
identified: renewing the energy market, domestic power, small-scale
producers, and consumer awareness. Five transition drivers were likewise
identified: mainstreaming renewable energy, international actors,
individual actions, changing values and economy, and emancipatory
change. Mainstreaming renewable energy emerged as the key driver of
transition, followed by individual actions. Generally, the sustainable
energy transition was strongly supported by citizens' images, but
different socio-economic groups preferred somewhat different images.
Thus, the diversity of consumers' and citizens’ roles in the transition
needs to be acknowledged and encouraged in legitimate national energy
policies.