How Is Social Acceptance Reflected in National Renewable Energy Plans? Evidence from Three Wind-Rich Countries

Celine Bout, Jay Sterling Gregg, James Haselip and Geraint Ellis
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Celine Bout: European Environment Agency, Kongens Nytorv, 1050 Copenhagen, Denmark
Jay Sterling Gregg: UNEP DTU Partnership, Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark, UN City, Marmorvej 51, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
James Haselip: UNEP DTU Partnership, Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark, UN City, Marmorvej 51, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
Geraint Ellis: School of Natural and Built Environment, Institute Spatial Environmental Planning, Queen’s University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Rd, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-19

Abstract: This article contributes to discussions of the social acceptance of renewable energy (RE) by developing an analytical framework that considers three dimensions (community, market, and political-regulator) at three different scales (macro, meso, and micro). This framework is conceived in order to identify those dynamics that are potentially counterproductive to the energy transition and need further policy emphasis, as well as supporting those that demonstrate a positive impact. Using this framework, we critically reflect on the 2010 National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) policies of three European countries with high wind resources: Denmark, Ireland, and the UK. Within the RE policy landscapes of these three countries lies the contentious issue of social acceptance of wind power. The framework analysis reveals similar policy profiles for each country, characterized by a heavy focus on the market dimension at all scales, an effort to allow private business to steer the transition, and a low focus on the community dimension. In doing so, our research reveals how policy-making processes have privileged the voice of actors who are able to communicate quantifiable data and evidence to support their position, and these actors thereby have greater influence to shape national energy policies.

Keywords: social acceptance; energy policy; transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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