Influence of Wind Turbines as Dominants in the Landscape on the Acceptance of the Development of Renewable Energy Sources in Poland

Abstract

Where there are wind turbines, they become a dominant feature of the landscape. The landscape is one of the frequently identified types of impacts of these investments on the natural environment and people. Specially prepared methodologies are used to assess the impact of turbines on the landscape. No less important is the subjective feeling of residents because it can affect the social acceptance of these investments. The work answers questions about residents’ opinions on the impact of energy installations on the landscape. The results of the study, using chi-square, indicate that there is a relationship between the presence of windmills in the municipality and support for their development, as well as the evaluation of both the positive as well as the negative. Residents of a municipality where wind turbines have been around for more than a dozen years considered the introduction of a very strong visual stimulus as the most important negative impact on the landscape. Residents of a municipality without wind power considered interference with ecosystems as the most important negative impact.