Residents’ Reactions Against Renewable Energy Facilities and Influence of Willingness of Investment

Abstract

Renewable energy is strongly promoted in Japan after the accident at Fukushima nuclear plant. However, in constructing such renewable energy facilities, people’s reaction called NIMBY (not in my backyard) is the largest barrier. In our preceding study, personal feelings against nearby wind turbines were investigated. The result told us that ownership or investment may affect residents’ reaction against wind turbines. This fact can be an important hint to promote construction of wind turbines. In this study, some new investigation at the wind turbine sites was carried out. The results clarified that there are evident differences in residents’ and visitors’ interaction against wind turbines. And it also figures out the effect of “willingness of investment.” The study led us to conclude promoting participations in wind energy operation can be one of the best ways in easing the NIMBY problems and promoting smooth introduction of renewable energy in local communities.