Proximity Breeds Positivity: Residents Close to Wind Farms Embrace Renewable Energy, Survey Finds

Residents Living Near Wind Farms Supportive of Wind Power, Survey Finds

(IN BRIEF) A recent survey conducted in Northumberland, England, revealed that residents living in close proximity to wind farms hold a positive view of wind power. Contrary to popular belief, three-quarters of those surveyed expressed support for onshore wind farms and desired further growth in the sector. Surprisingly, those living within five miles of existing wind farms were even more supportive of future development. The survey also highlighted a lack of awareness about the benefits of wind farms, with the majority of respondents expressing a desire for more information. The findings indicate that effective communication and engagement with local communities are crucial for successful renewable energy projects.

(PRESS RELEASE) Northumberland, England, 27-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  Vattenfall, a Swedish government-owned multinational power company, has announced the results of a recent survey which finds that residents living in close proximity to wind farms hold a more favorable view of wind power compared to those residing further away, contrary to popular belief. This unexpected finding challenges the notion that all individuals oppose living near wind turbines.

The study, commissioned in early 2023, focused on the attitudes of residents in the North East region after five years of operation of Vattenfall’s Ray wind farm. The survey aimed to gauge their opinions on wind power and shed light on their level of awareness regarding its benefits.

Encouragingly, three-quarters of the respondents expressed support for onshore wind farms and voiced a desire to witness further growth in the sector. In stark contrast, only about 5 percent of participants were opposed. Surprisingly, those living within five miles of existing wind farms in the region exhibited an even greater level of support for future development.

The survey also highlighted a significant knowledge gap among respondents concerning the environmental and economic benefits associated with wind farms. Approximately four in five individuals expressed a desire to learn more about these advantages, with three quarters indicating a general preference for increased communication from wind developers like Vattenfall.

Further analysis of the survey uncovered a lack of awareness among over half of the respondents regarding the British government’s Net-Zero target. Moreover, a majority of participants expressed a strong interest in hearing about their local authority’s plans to combat climate change, with 72 percent believing that more should be done in the North East to encourage low-carbon energy investment from companies like Vattenfall.

Vattenfall’s Senior Project Manager, Matt Bacon, expressed enthusiasm about the survey’s findings. “It’s gratifying to see further evidence that overwhelmingly supports renewable energy generation in the North East,” he stated. “This provides our operational and development teams with added confidence when engaging with residents and local stakeholders. By fostering open dialogue and ensuring the inclusion of benefits in our projects, we can demonstrate that communities are highly receptive to new proposals.”

Bacon also emphasized the importance of effective communication and collaboration with local communities to maximize the positive opportunities presented by the energy transition. “We must continue to communicate the advantages of onshore wind and work closely with local communities, particularly in areas that would not typically receive significant investment. Early and transparent engagement will be crucial to our success,” he added.

The survey, conducted by Opinium Research in January and February 2023, collected data from 1,000 adults in the North East of England, with a minimum of 150 participants from Northumberland.

Media contacts:

+46 8 739 50 10
press@vattenfall.com

SOURCE: Vattenfall