Collaborative Currents: The Promise of Conflict Resolution in Public Acceptance of Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Projects

Muhammad Mohsin Hussain, Suleyman O. Altiparmak and Emre Hatipoglu ()
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Muhammad Mohsin Hussain: Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3QR, UK
Suleyman O. Altiparmak: James Madison College, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
Emre Hatipoglu: KAPSARC School of Public Policy, KAPSARC, Riyadh 13415, Saudi Arabia

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-16

Abstract: In the face of escalating climate challenges, the energy sector is increasingly investing in renewable projects. However, the implementation of utility-scale renewable energy initiatives is often hindered by public opposition. While previous research has offered detailed insights into the determinants of public acceptance generally, there remains scope for examining the impact of strategies that developers can employ to coalesce support for success at the local level. This study contributes with a comparative case study of two U.S. utility-scale projects: the Empire Wind offshore wind farm, which achieved success through proactive conflict resolution, and the Northern Pass hydroelectric transmission project, which was halted due to sustained local resistance. Our findings suggest the critical importance of community-centered conflict resolution strategies in garnering public support and facilitating the successful deployment of large-scale renewable energy projects.

Keywords: renewable energy; NIMBY; land use; utility; public policy; conflict resolution; local politics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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