Wind Energy and Public acceptance

Public acceptance is key to the development of wind energy in Europe.

71% of EU citizens are "very positive" about the use of wind energy in their country, according to a 2007 Eurobarometer questionnaire. Only solar energy reaches a slightly higher accepance rate (80%). Gas is supported by 42%, coal by 26% and nuclear power by just 20%.

Danes (93%), Greeks (88%) and Cypriots (83%) expressed the greatest enthusiasm for wind energy, but other countries follow closely behind. The greatest supporters of wind energy are those concerned about reducing energy consumption in their country.

Opposition to wind energy, at just 3%, is almost non-existent.

Although the public has a generally positive image of wind energy, things can sometimes become more difficult when a local community has to approve a specific project. Too often, public resistance comes from mistaken beliefs and false information.

The truth is that wind energy delivers a multitude of benefits to communities. It is sustainable and creates local jobs, wealth and economic revival, it helps fight climate change and improves our energy security. What is more, renting out land for wind farms can provide income, taxes from a wind energy business can be used for social and cultural services in the community, and a wind project might also provide local infrastructure improvements such as roads and electricity transmission lines.

There is no evidence of wind energy projects affecting property prices, and once the farm is built, trends suggest that people who live near a wind farm become more favourable towards wind energy.

Awareness campaigns such as the Global Wind Day help inform Europeans and people around the world about the benefits of wind energy.