Survey Challenges Wind Power Stereotypes: Majority in Wind Farm Vicinity Back Further Development

Survey Challenges Wind Power Stereotypes: Majority in Wind Farm Vicinity Back Further Development

(IN BRIEF) A recent survey conducted in Northumberland, north-east England, revealed surprising results about attitudes towards wind power. Contrary to popular belief, three-quarters of respondents living near wind turbines supported onshore wind farms and wished to see further growth in the sector. Even more surprising, those living closest to existing wind farms, within a five-mile radius, showed even stronger support for future wind farm development. The survey also highlighted a lack of awareness about the benefits of wind farms, with nearly four in five respondents expressing a desire to learn more about the positive impacts on the environment, economy, and local communities. The findings suggest that increased communication and education about wind power’s benefits could foster even greater public support for renewable energy initiatives.

(PRESS RELEASE)  STOCKHOLM, 27-Jul-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Vattenfall, a Swedish government-owned multinational power company, unveils survey results revealing surprising support for wind power amongst neighbors.

Are all people opposed to living near wind farms? Surprisingly, a recent survey revealed that those residing closer to turbines have a more favorable view of wind power compared to people living further away. The results challenge common misconceptions and shed light on the perceptions surrounding wind energy.

Vattenfall, a leading energy company, developed the 16-turbine Ray wind farm in Northumberland, north-east England. However, the project’s journey was not without obstacles, requiring over a decade of planning and preparations before finally producing electricity in 2017.

At the beginning of 2023, after five years of operations at Ray, a survey was commissioned among the residents of the region to gauge their attitudes towards wind power today. The findings were both encouraging and surprising.

Positive Reception for Onshore Wind Farms

Contrary to popular belief, the study showed that a significant majority (three-quarters) of those surveyed supported onshore wind farms and desired further growth in the sector. Merely around 5 per cent expressed opposition. What’s even more remarkable is that those living closest to existing wind farms within a five-mile radius demonstrated even stronger support for further development.

The survey highlights a trend wherein the silent majority favors wind power, while a vocal minority opposes it.

Increasing Awareness of Wind Farm Benefits

Interestingly, the poll also unveiled a lack of knowledge about the numerous benefits wind farms can bring. These include improvements to the environment and biodiversity, economic boosts through community benefits, and opportunities for upskilling, job creation, and support for local supply chains. Nearly four in five respondents expressed a desire to know more about these advantages, and three quarters of those surveyed indicated a preference for increased communication from wind developers, such as Vattenfall.

This lack of awareness appears to be part of a broader issue, as more than half of those surveyed in the North East stated that they had limited or no knowledge about the British government’s Net-Zero target. Additionally, three in five respondents expressed an interest in hearing more about their local authority’s plans to combat climate change. Furthermore, 72 per cent of respondents believed that the North East should do more to encourage investment from companies like Vattenfall in low-carbon forms of energy within the region.

Conclusion

The survey’s findings are encouraging, showing that those living closer to wind farms are more supportive of wind power, challenging the assumption that wind farm opposition is universal. To further promote wind energy adoption, there is a need for better communication and education about the benefits that wind farms bring to the environment and local communities. By increasing awareness and understanding, it is hoped that support for renewable energy sources like wind power will continue to grow in the future.

In January 2023, Vattenfall Senior Project Manager Matt Bacon commissioned a comprehensive poll to gauge public sentiments towards renewable energy in the North East, where Vattenfall operates a significant office and an operational wind farm. The survey, conducted by Opinium Research online, involved 1,000 adults in the region, with a minimum of 150 respondents from Northumberland.

The results of the poll have been highly encouraging, revealing a strong and overwhelming support for renewable energy generation in the North East. Matt Bacon expressed his satisfaction with the findings, stating that it solidifies their belief that local communities are receptive to new renewable energy proposals when approached with open dialogue and opportunities for benefits.

“It’s great to see more evidence that confirms our hunch that people in the North East overwhelmingly support renewable energy generation. This will give our operational and development teams increased confidence when meeting residents and other local stakeholders that, with the right dialogue and benefits built into projects, communities are very likely to be open to new proposals,” he says.

“This local polling mirrors national level polls and that’s helpful in defusing accusations that ‘people might think that in big cities but not here’. However, it also shows that we need to do more to communicate the benefits that come from onshore wind, and work closely with local communities to make sure this energy transition brings positive opportunities, particularly to areas that might not otherwise see such large-scale investment. Open, honest, and early engagement will be critical to success.”

While celebrating the positive response, Bacon also emphasized the importance of effective communication and collaboration with local communities to ensure that onshore wind projects bring substantial benefits to the regions that may not otherwise witness such significant investments.

The encouraging survey results provide Vattenfall’s operational and development teams with increased confidence when interacting with residents and other stakeholders in the region. The company is committed to harnessing this support and driving the growth of renewable energy projects with community welfare at the forefront.

Read more about Vattenfall’s wind farms and projects in the UK

Facts about the survey

Media contacts:

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press@vattenfall.com

SOURCE: Vattenfall AB