Developing a Theoretical Framework to Explain the Social Acceptability of Wind Energy

Abstract

The social acceptability of wind farms has been researched for several decades now, with the first research tracing back to the 1980s. This paper aims to deliver a literature review within the structural framework proposed by the paper of variables influencing the acceptability of wind farms. The large amount of research published on the social acceptability of wind farms requires an effort to identify and categorise variables to deliver a holistic understanding of opposition and support to wind energy. We classify the variables into three main categories: first, ‘psychological variables’, including perceived benefits and costs, emotions, and attitudes; second, ‘contextual variables’, including community energy schemes and media influence; and finally, third, ‘personal resources’, including income or wealth, place of residence, and relevant knowledge in relation to the wind farm. In agreement with other scholars, we argue that NIMBYism (not in my backyard) is an outdated and simplistic explanation for opposition to wind farms. Instead, we provide a theoretical framework to explain the acceptability of wind energy and show how these variables might influence both acceptance and opposition.

Whispers in the Wind: Ethical dimensions of social conflict in offshore wind

“…Usually, allocation principles are mostly based on merit/desert, equality and need [28]. In the OSW debate, distributive justice is for the most part connected to the possibility of stakeholders receiving a fair share of the benefits coming from the projects implemented referred by Lundheim et al (2022), 'perceived distribution of benefits was an important factor in the acceptance of local wind energy projects' [29]:8. Equally relevant, is the ongoing debate on how and who should be compensated by the negative (environmental and social) impacts that come along with OSW initiatives, both in the present and the future [30].…”

“…Such issues inevitably contribute to social (un)acceptance of OSW which can be considered in its several implications of procedural, distributional, and recognition justices, particularly when routinely disadvantaged communities feel the negative effects due to their social disadvantage or minority status [32,33]. In a positive tone, 'good policies could hopefully ensure that affected communities have a sense of justice, regardless of the outcomes' [29]:20.…”

Assessment of the Financial Benefits from Wind Farms in US Rural Locations

“…A lack of complete information on these benefits has been shown to foster local social opposition, hindering wind farms' continuous growth (Groth and Vogt 2014;Song et al 2016). Previous studies have indicated that an important factor increasing social opposition to infrastructure projects is the perception of local communities not benefiting from the project and not having been consulted in advance concerning these projects (Hall et al 2013;Lundheim et al 2022). In many situations, energy from the wind is consumed in cities, far away from the installation site.…”

“…Rural communities, where wind is installed, may perceive to receive only hardships without benefits (Song et al 2016). For these reasons it is critical to clearly understand and effectively communicate the financial benefits provided by the wind industry to local rural communities (Gross 2007;Copena and Simón 2018;Lundheim et al 2022).…”

Optimization and modeling of electric generators elements of wind power plants

“…At the same time, the development of new energy sources, energy efficiency and environmental management issues give impetus to the development of science and technology. One of the most promising directions in the development of alternative energy is wind energy [2].…”