Attitudes of Communities in Rural Areas towards the Development of Wind Energy

Mirosława Witkowska-Dabrowska, Natalia Świdyńska and Agnieszka Napiórkowska-Baryła
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Mirosława Witkowska-Dabrowska: Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, M. Oczapowskiego 4, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Natalia Świdyńska: Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, M. Oczapowskiego 4, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Agnieszka Napiórkowska-Baryła: Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, M. Oczapowskiego 4, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 23, 1-24

Abstract: The objective of the study was to demonstrate attitudes towards wind energy facilities in the area of the Korsze Commune. The results of the study were processed using structure indices calculated from the respondents’ answers, which were analyzed in terms of social and economic factors. The study revealed that both the NIMBY syndrome and the lack of civic engagement influence attitudes towards renewable energy technologies in rural areas. The NIMBY (“not in my backyard”) term describes negative public attitudes towards proposed development projects. However, some trends towards more pronounced attitudes can be observed, depending on socioeconomic conditions. The research results imply that the measures taken to promote renewable energy technologies should be designed differently depending on the socioeconomic situation of the targeted audience. Young people might be reached via social media appropriate to their age, and through campaigns promoting local investments. For older people, traditional ways of communication can be used, but the information transmitted should include specific benefits for the whole society as well as for individual households. The conducted research revealed that, despite the fact that many authors deny the occurrence of NIMBY syndrome in relation to the wind energy, the NIMBY problem has occurred in the Korsze Commune. The biggest challenge in the survey was the unwillingness of the residents to participate in it, which only confirms the lack of social involvement.

Keywords: renewable energy sources; wind energy; sustainability (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 (2)

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