Despite strong public support for wind energy, its local implementation remains slow due to resistance from communities affected by wind projects. This policy paper explores the key factors influencing public acceptance of wind power across Europe and offers policy solutions to overcome barriers.
The European Union (EU) plays a leading role in the global energy transition, with 23% of the world’s wind power capacity located in the region. Despite strong public support for wind energy, its local implementation remains slow due to resistance from communities affected by wind projects. This policy paper explores the key factors influencing public acceptance of wind power across Europe and offers policy solutions to overcome barriers.
The paper identifies several reasons for local opposition to wind power, including visual and noise disturbances, concerns about property values, lack of direct economic benefits, and distrust in decision-making processes. While European policies like the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and RePowerEU Plan set ambitious targets for wind power expansion, the EU has yet to fully address public resistance at the local level.
To bridge the gap between general support and actual implementation, the paper recommends community engagement, financial compensation for affected residents, local taxation models, and cooperative ownership schemes. By addressing both the economic and social concerns surrounding wind power, the EU can accelerate its transition to renewable energy while ensuring public support and community benefits.
Daniel Lindvall is Senior Researcher at Climate Change Leadership, Uppsala University. Lindvall has a PhD in Sociology and has been doing research on issues related to democracy and climate policies. He has also an interest in socioeconomic consequences of the climate and energy transformation. Lindvall has for several years worked for the Swedish government and has been principle inquiry secretary in several government inquires, such as the Democracy Commission
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