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Place attachment and social barriers to large-scale renewable energy development: a social–ecological systems analysis of a failed wind energy project in the south-central United States

Socio-Ecological Practice Research, ISSN: 2524-5287, Vol: 5, Issue: 2, Page: 175-188
2023
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Article Description

Transitioning to a sustainable energy production system is an integral component of mitigating climate change impacts. Increasing renewable energy development—such as large-scale wind farms—is a vital part of this transition. Wind energy development is often controversial due to local pushback to the proposed installations. This phenomenon of local opposition is characterized as Not-In-My-Back-Yard (NIMBY). Here, we used Ostrom’s Social-Ecological System (SES) framework to conduct a structured analysis of anti-wind energy development narratives associated with the failed Wind Catcher Project in the south-central region of the United States of America (USA). Our findings indicate that local values and perceptions of social and economic resources are the most critical factors explaining opposition to wind energy development, with little weight placed on environmental concerns. The wind farm, turbines, and associated transmission lines were seen as a threat to people’s way of life and their perception of place. In addition, past experiences with volatile energy prices caused distrust of long-term projections on cost savings. Our analysis suggests that new energy development projects must include open discussions with local stakeholders, more thoughtful consideration of opposing arguments and concerns, and acknowledgment of local place attachment to avoid pushback.

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