Determinants of the local acceptability of wind power in Finland

Abstract

Wind energy is perceived as a promising electricity source that could provide environmental and social benefits. In general, the public acceptability of wind power is high. However, high general support does not automatically mean the acceptance of local development. Local host communities in Finland may express vocal opposition to wind farms.

This doctoral thesis explores the acceptability of wind power. The main research question hinges on the determinants of the social acceptability of local wind power in Finland. The thesis considers the research topic from various perspectives in order to provide a comprehensive view of the phenomenon. This doctoral thesis addresses the cognitive, emotional and behavioural components of wind power acceptability. In this study, the term acceptability refers to attitude, and the term acceptance refers to the resulting behaviour. The study discusses the role of location in the acceptability and acceptance of wind power. Also, an analysis of public participation in wind power projects sheds light on local wind farm acceptability. In addition, the study identifies the role of emotions in relation to wind farm development, particularly how such emotions influence expectations, experiences and behavioural intentions.

This thesis consists of two sections. The first section provides an overview of the dissertation, and the second section is comprised of five complementary research papers. Empirically, the study uses a multiple-case design, with one main case (two existing wind farms), two additional cases (two planned wind farms) and one hypothetical wind farm. The analysis is based on both quantitative and qualitative data, which were collected during the research process using surveys, interviews, the self-reported diaries of residents, measurements of wind turbine sound and measurements of wind speed, speed dispersion and direction.

This study’s main methodological and theoretical contribution is the application of mixed-method analysis to increase our understanding of the cognitive, emotional and behavioural drivers of the local acceptability of wind power. The results suggest that the acceptability of wind power is neither stable nor unconditional. Individuals experience cognitions and emotions that seem contradictory. In addition, the current wind farm development process elicits strong emotions without offering any special forum in which to express them. Also, people perceive successful participation to be more than information distribution, and there seems to be a need for continued communication between residents and project developers after formal decisions are made.