Lessons learned from Ontario wind energy disputes

Stewart Fast (), Warren Mabee, Jamie Baxter, Tanya Christidis, Liz Driver, Stephen Hill, J. J. McMurtry and Melody Tomkow
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Stewart Fast: Institute for Science, Society and Policy, University of Ottawa
Warren Mabee: Department of Geography
Jamie Baxter: Social Science Centre, Western University
Tanya Christidis: Ontario Research Chair in Renewable Energy Technologies and Health, University of Waterloo
Liz Driver: Alliance to Protect Prince Edward County
Stephen Hill: School of Environment, Trent University
J. J. McMurtry: Business and Society Program, York University
Melody Tomkow: Renewable Energy Community Relations and Communications Strategist

Nature Energy, 2016, vol. 1, issue 2, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Issues concerning the social acceptance of wind energy are major challenges for policy-makers, communities and wind developers. They also impact the legitimacy of societal decisions to pursue wind energy. Here we set out to identify and assess the factors that lead to wind energy disputes in Ontario, Canada, a region of the world that has experienced a rapid increase in the development of wind energy. Based on our expertise as a group comprising social scientists, a community representative and a wind industry advocate engaged in the Ontario wind energy situation, we explore and suggest recommendations based on four key factors: socially mediated health concerns, the distribution of financial benefits, lack of meaningful engagement and failure to treat landscape concerns seriously. Ontario's recent change from a feed-in-tariff-based renewable electricity procurement process to a competitive bid process, albeit with more attention to community engagement, will only partially address these concerns.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/nenergy.2015.28

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