Policy Brief – Build public trust: Six factors for increasing wind power acceptance; LandUseZero

The Policy Brief 2024 emphasizes the need to build public trust in wind power as the European Union aims to transition to cleaner energy sources, particularly through initiatives like the Wind Power Action Plan. Despite wind power\’s recognized benefits, rapid deployment can elicit concerns from local communities, heightened by shifting political landscapes and regulations. To address these challenges, the brief outlines six key recommendations for developers and decision-makers: 1) Acknowledge community concerns about wind turbine impacts and leverage scientific research for transparency; 2) Implement a mitigation hierarchy to minimize adverse effects on wildlife; 3) Clearly communicate the economic and non-economic benefits of projects during planning; 4) Engage local communities early in the process to foster trust; 5) Ensure the participation of marginalized voices alongside the majority; and 6) Help communities see how wind energy supports wider clean energy goals. These factors contribute to the social acceptance of wind projects, which is essential for the successful integration of wind energy into local economies. In addition, the brief discusses the varied experiences of different countries in wind power development, with Denmark leading in wind electricity generation. It calls for further research into the impacts of wind power on wildlife, health, and community acceptance to enhance practices and foster sustainable energy transitions.