A new study by the University of Eastern Finland sheds light on the potential obstacles to wind power development in Finland. Professor Lasse Peltonen and project researcher Jakob Donner-Amnell found that local opposition may increase as wind power projects become more common, particularly if the combined effects of wind power areas are not taken into account. The researchers conducted interviews and surveys with experts and the general public to better understand acceptability at the local level.
While wind power has been widely accepted in Finnish society, concerns have emerged in areas where turbines are erected. According to the researchers, while overall acceptability remains high, local controversies have arisen as more wind power projects are developed. Factors that influence acceptability include landscape, noise, and fairness issues. The survey was supported by the Ministry of the Environment and the Tiina and Antti Herlin Foundation, with a focus on understanding these factors in detail.
The study highlights the importance of considering local concerns when developing wind power projects. Projects that bring tangible benefits to communities, such as job creation, are more likely to be accepted by locals. The researchers also emphasized the need for transparent decision-making processes and addressing public concerns in wind power development. They cited examples from Sweden and Norway to illustrate how centralized decision-making can hinder onshore wind power projects and how polarization of energy policy debates can affect acceptability.
The study concludes that coordinated efforts in wind power development involving stakeholders at all levels are necessary to address local concerns and ensure sustainable growth. Acceptability plays a crucial role in shaping the future of wind power in Finland and beyond, highlighting the need for continued research and dialogue to ensure that this clean energy source is developed responsibly and sustainably.
