5 - Society and Wind Power in Sweden

Abstract

This chapter discusses the society and wind power in Sweden. Each society is united by social institutions—institutions commonly slow to develop and slow to change. This presents a special predicament to wind developers, because wind turbines can alter the landscape more completely and more abruptly than any other type of land use. It is argued that public opposition need not be the deciding factor influencing the future contribution that wind power makes. One of the challenges in trying to balance wind power with nature is that there is no solid consensus on the aesthetic landscape quality appraisal methods. The chapter presents different reactions to wind power among rural and urban dwellers. Farmers look upon wind generating equipment as a contribution to their rural subsistence. Landscape design involves a process by which architects and planners take into consideration ever-changing technical, aesthetic, and functional requirements. Involving the public in a wind power project has very little to do with public hearings about ready-made plans, especially when a landscape has been evaluated by experts.