Wind power plays a crucial role in the energy transition. However, it has also become the subject of heated debates throughout Europe. A newly published handbook provides support to stakeholders interested in ensuring that wind energy is beneficial for all.
There is a perception that only external investors benefit from wind power developments, while local communities have to deal with their negative consequences. If wind energy is to remain a leading renewable energy source, decision-makers and developers have to change their thinking and approaches to get all affected stakeholders on board and focus on benefits for all as an essential part of every project.
Fortunately, there is no need to start from scratch in this venture. The European Union’s Clean Energy Package opens up new windows of opportunity to involve citizens in the energy transition. Plus, there is a slew of forward-thinking, socially inclusive wind energy projects across Europe that we can learn from.
ICLEI’s WinWind project has studied these examples in depth and compiled a concise and accessible guidance handbook for decision-makers working at all levels, as well as for developers and interested citizens.
The handbook answers three core questions:
- How can wind energy planning be made more inclusive?
- How can the economic benefits of wind energy be shared with society? and
- How can socially-inclusive wind energy be made the new normal?
For more information, read the handbook here.