Democracy and Participation: The Social Acceptance of Wind Energy

Abstract

Current and future challenges of climate change and the transition towards a low-carbon society requires policy strategies for promoting renewable energy sources and puts a great burden on all countries. In order to successfully bring about such a turn the transition depends vitally on the ability of decision-makers to raise acceptance for building the necessary energy infrastructure. Wind power is a key technology towards the envisaged energy transition, because it is the most competitive in terms of energy productivity and cost effectiveness in comparison to other renewable energy sources. However, social acceptance is considered to be a constraining factor in achieving ambitious wind deployment targets. Surveys repeatedly show that people support wind energy in general, but oppose specific wind farm projects in their local backyard. These conflicts can result in skyrocketing costs in regard to time and money invested in infrastructure projects that get delayed or stopped, but also in a growing dissatisfaction of local communities about the planning and decision-making processes and a questioning of the energy transition in general. The major problem is that local opposition against wind energy projects cannot be explained by singular issues such as simple cost-benefit calculations, the public support for renewable energy sources, the implementation strategy of the developer, the number of wind turbines installed, the intensity of the turbine noise, the protection of local birds and animals, or the “not-in-my-backyard”-effect, although a very dominant influence seems to be the specific value of the landscape, the familiar surroundings and the habitat. Hence, the acceptance of wind energy is dependent on a complex set of individual and societal indicators, perceptions and preferences rooted in institutional and socio-political arrangements. Addressing social acceptance therefore will enhance the understanding about the economical, political, ecological and social feasibility of wind power plants and help to better communicate benefits and risks of wind energy to local, regional and national authorities, developers, the public and local communities.