Abstract
Society’s acceptance of renewable energy projects has a significant influence, since it provides an easier installation and operation of the infrastructure. Therefore, citizens’ engagement in the energy transition is essential. Τhis literature review was conducted to identify people’s attitudes towards wind farms, as well as ways in which these protests fade out. According to the literature, most people who are doubtful about the construction of wind parks in their area are usually affected by socio-economic and political factors. Specifically, the impact on the region’s flora and fauna, land occupation, and aesthetic and acoustic impact are only a few of the elements making locals opposed to wind parks.
Moreover, citizens’ lack of information on wind projects’ procedures, as well as lack of trust in investors and local authorities, may contribute to any negative perceptions. To mitigate citizens’ objection to wind parks, we suggest carefully considering local people’s opinions throughout the facility’s construction and properly informing them of both its benefits and drawbacks. Furthermore, their participation in the procedures (co-ownership, open conferences) and generally direct and indirect compensations offered, will create a trustworthy environment for local people towards both the investors and the project itself. To summarize, we may infer that wind farms’ building can be socially acceptable if we make an effort to understand and apply the principles of energy justice and democracy during the construction procedures.