Abstract
Wind power development, whilst welcomed by many as a potentially green source of energy, also gives rise to considerable local resistance. Drawing on three case studies from coastal Norway (Frøya, Haramsøy, and Egersund), the present article sets out to reflect on life in anticipation of wind power development. Reflecting on the nature of life in anticipation of undesired wind power developments, with implications for how life is lived in dread of imminent adversities in general (such as climate change, pandemics, and disaster risks), these case studies focus on how communities relate to the future and how they perceive and strive to organise so as to shape outcomes. A central point raised in this article is that wind power projects could become more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable if greater attention is paid to working with communities to reduce distrust and uncertainties before, during and after such projects. Hence, relational work carried out that may shape the affective state of anticipation prior to and during wind farm construction can be understood as crucial to the sustainability of large-scale green infrastructure projects.
Highlights
Wind power is commonly suggested as an effective way for local communities to lower their carbon footprint, enhancing their sustainability [1,2]
We argue that life on Frøya has, since the decision to construct the turbines were made, been shaped to a great extent by an affective state of living in anticipation of wind power development
Phenomena as diverse as climate change, impending pandemics, one’s community being exposed to newly uncovered landslide risk, or a newly diagnosed terminal illness are all examples of how a dreaded future calamity enters the lived experience of the present [12,13,14,15]
Summary
Wind power is commonly suggested as an effective way for local communities to lower their carbon footprint, enhancing their sustainability [1,2]. Wind power is increasingly framed as a critical piece in the challenge towards complying with global and regional carbon emission targets [4,5]. The European Union, for example, has listed further wind power development as a central part of its renewable energy directives, alongside other technologies [10]. According to energy market projections, wind power technology may make up more than 20% of the global demand for electricity by 2050 [11]. Wind power developments have in many ways become prestigious projects both for national leaders and local decision-makers, but local views are often mixed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
