Out of Sight, out of Mind?

Abstract

The RAVE research project Acceptance of Offshore Wind Energy Use surveyed residents, tourists and local experts in two regions with offshore wind farms at three points in time: prior to the erection of offshore wind farms (2009) and afterwards, during turbine operation (2011, 2012). To determine whether or not any changes in attitude to wind energy were down to operation, comparison surveys were made in coastal regions without wind farms. Topics in the interviews were attitudes and expected impacts on the marine environment, tourism, sense of home and safety of shipping, as well as desired forms of participation, also in the planning process. Questions were also asked about measures for gaining greater acceptance. There is acceptance of offshore wind energy, more for far-shore wind farms than for near-shore, and when the safety of shipping takes top priority. Conflicts can be limited better with participation than without it.