A recent study, based on a public participation survey, has revealed that increased distance from wind farms correlates with more positive attitudes towards both the wind farms and wind power in general. The research, conducted by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), analyzed responses from regions in Southwest Finland and Satakunta, known for their high population density and significant wind power presence.
Surprisingly, existing wind turbines were deemed more acceptable than those in the planning stages. The study also identified that wind turbines situated near regular homes garnered higher acceptance compared to those near vacation homes, presenting challenges in wind turbine siting decisions, particularly in areas abundant with vacation homes.
Finland is anticipated to witness a significant rise in wind power generation in the coming decades, with expectations of at least a tripling of current capacity. While wind power is recognized as a crucial contributor to addressing long-term challenges such as climate change and energy dependence, the study underscores the importance of considering short-term consequences on the everyday environment to ensure the acceptability of wind power projects.
Eija Pouta, Research Professor at Luke, noted that lifestyle differences in permanent and vacation homes likely influenced the study results. “As people’s everyday activities depend highly on technology and electricity generation in their permanent home, it is logical to accept solutions that maintain their technology-dependent lifestyle,” she stated.
The survey results indicated a general reluctance among respondents to have wind farm projects in proximity, expressing concerns about potential impacts on property values and local communities. The challenge arises in determining fair siting decisions for regular and vacation homes, and whether opinions should be based on permanent residents or part-time vacation home owners.
The study found that wind turbine acceptability hinges on perceived impacts, with respondents emphasizing clean energy and future opportunities with greater distances. In contrast, closer distances prompted concerns about local impacts on recreation, agriculture, forestry, and animal living conditions. Interestingly, landscape impact was viewed positively, challenging the assumption that it would be seen as a negative factor.
Acceptance of operational wind turbines exceeded those still in planning stages, suggesting that familiarity breeds positivity. The study also highlighted Finland’s relatively low wind turbine density compared to other Baltic Sea region countries like Germany and Denmark.
Eija Pouta emphasized the need for ongoing measurement of attitudes among people living close to wind turbines, considering the expected increase in wind turbine installations in the future.