How Is Social Acceptance Reflected in National Renewable Energy Plans? Evidence from Three Wind-Rich Countries

Celine Bout,James Haselip,Jay Sterling Gregg,Geraint Ellis

doi:10.3390/en14133999

Abstract

This article contributes to discussions of the social acceptance of renewable energy (RE) by developing an analytical framework that considers three dimensions (community, market, and political-regulator) at three different scales (macro, meso, and micro). This framework is conceived in order to identify those dynamics that are potentially counterproductive to the energy transition and need further policy emphasis, as well as supporting those that demonstrate a positive impact. Using this framework, we critically reflect on the 2010 National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) policies of three European countries with high wind resources: Denmark, Ireland, and the UK. Within the RE policy landscapes of these three countries lies the contentious issue of social acceptance of wind power. The framework analysis reveals similar policy profiles for each country, characterized by a heavy focus on the market dimension at all scales, an effort to allow private business to steer the transition, and a low focus on the community dimension. In doing so, our research reveals how policy-making processes have privileged the voice of actors who are able to communicate quantifiable data and evidence to support their position, and these actors thereby have greater influence to shape national energy policies.

Highlights

IntroductionMany countries have embarked on a transition to low-carbon energy systems, primarily motivated by the twin imperatives of greater energy security and climate change mitigation
Some of the countries’ main policies in the past 10 years have been aimed at wind power, such as the Renewable Energy Agreement in Denmark in 2009, the Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROC) in the UK in 2002, and Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff (REFIT) in Ireland
This study builds on recent developments in the field of research on the social acceptance of renewable energy

Summary

Introduction

Many countries have embarked on a transition to low-carbon energy systems, primarily motivated by the twin imperatives of greater energy security and climate change mitigation. In 2010, Member States submitted National Renewable Energy. Action Plans (NREAPs) that outlined their current and upcoming policies to increase their share of renewable energy (RE) and reach the Directive’s target of 20% of electricity from RE [1]. Such national energy strategies are informed by large-scale models that seek to address sustainability and climate change goals [2] based on the current understanding of available resources, technological development, and financial viability of different forms of energy infrastructure.

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