Public Perception and Acceptance of Wind Energy Projects: A Case Study in the Western Macedonia Region of Greece

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify the factors that may affect the perception and acceptance of wind energy projects in the Western Macedonia region of Greece. The objectives of the study were to gauge the level of support, measure perceived economic and environmental effects, understand the effects of visual and noise impacts and establish the relationship between trust in government and developers. In the present study, a quantitative research approach was used, and more specifically, a cross-sectional survey with a structured questionnaire was applied on a sample of 384 residents of the Western Macedonia region of Greece. The study adopted equal probability sampling technique by employing stratified random sampling to include all the population groups. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were employed in the examination of the association between public acceptance and various factors. This study also discovered that perceived economic advantages like employment opportunity and local economic growth enhance the acceptance of wind energy projects among the public. On the other hand, perceived environmental impacts, such as visual intrusiveness and noise sensitivity, lower acceptance substantially. Trust in government and developers was also revealed as an important variable; the level of trust was positively related to the level of support for wind energy projects. The results concern the multifaceted nature of common opinion, which is shaped by economic, environmental, and social indicators. Thus, the successful implementation of the wind energy projects in Western Macedonia has to involve not only economic stimuli but environmental considerations and public participation as well. There is a need to engage the stakeholders and the public more often and keep them informed in order to gain their trust. Thus, incorporating these factors, the stakeholders can strengthen the support of the public and help the region to switch to renewable resources. To enhance acceptance by the public, it is suggested that key players should aim at creating stakeholders’ values in terms of economic returns, minimizing negative effects on the environment, minimizing visual and noise intrusion, and attracting public confidence through proper consultation and engagement.