In order to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change (e.g. increase in the global average temperature), it is important to transition to renewable energy sources, such as onshore wind energy...Show moreIn order to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change (e.g. increase in the global average temperature), it is important to transition to renewable energy sources, such as onshore wind energy, that contribute to the reduction of one of the main cause of climate change, namely global CO2 emissions. The successful implementation of wind farms largely depends on the community acceptance of the wind project. Previous studies have shown that providing citizens with a voice opportunity results in higher levels of wind farms project acceptance via increase in the perception of fair decision making and trust in the project developer. The current study was conducted on a sample of UK citizens (N = 450). It used an experimental scenario to replicate these findings and additionally to examine whether the effects of voice opportunity on project acceptance depend on expectations regarding receiving voice opportunity. We manipulated voice expectations and voice opportunity, and found support that voice opportunity has positive effects on community acceptance of wind farm projects. Additionally, we found support for our prediction that these effects are mediated by perceived procedural fairness and trust in the project developer. We did not find support about the moderating role of voice expectations on the effects of voice opportunity on project acceptance. We discussed the implications of these findings for research and practice.Show less
Climate change is a growing problem and sustainable energy sources are necessary in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Wind energy is a common source of sustainable energy in the UK, but acceptance of...Show moreClimate change is a growing problem and sustainable energy sources are necessary in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Wind energy is a common source of sustainable energy in the UK, but acceptance of wind farm projects varies, which can lead to delay or cancellation of a project. Previous research found support for the hypothesis that acceptance of a wind farm project is higher when participants receive voice (compared to no voice), and that this relationship is mediated by perceived procedural fairness and trust in the project developer. The current study aimed to replicate and extend these results. It also tested whether expectations of voice opportunity moderate this relationship. Participants were told to imagine that they were a resident of Presford, where a company named UniWind was planning to build a wind park. We then systematically varied expectations (expectations manipulation: expecting voice vs. not expecting voice vs. control group) and whether or not participants received voice (voice manipulation: genuine voice vs. no voice). The study was an experimental scenario study with a 3 x 2 between-subjects design (n = 450; UK citizens). As predicted and replicating previous results, we found a significant main effect of voice opportunity on project acceptance, and this relationship was mediated by perceived procedural fairness and trust in the project developer. However, against what was predicted, no significant moderating effect of expectations was found. Implications and directions for future research were discussed, and the results illustrate the importance of a voice opportunity in the acceptance of wind farm projects. Several suggestions for future research were made.Show less
The literature surrounding the provision of community benefits for the siting of wind farms points to the shortcomings of both the voluntary and the fully institutionalised approach to compensation...Show moreThe literature surrounding the provision of community benefits for the siting of wind farms points to the shortcomings of both the voluntary and the fully institutionalised approach to compensation. Therefore, a new approach has been suggested: the mixed institutionalised approach. The present experimental scenario study (N = 361, all with UK nationality) explored the impact of compensation approach (fully institutionalised vs. mixed institutionalised vs. voluntary approach) on project acceptance, with bribery perceptions and perceived involvement of the community in decision-making, as potential mediators in this relationship. In addition, project developer reputation (good vs. bad) was manipulated to examine whether it moderated effects of compensation approach on project acceptance. Results showed no difference in project acceptance between the three compensation approaches. Since it was expected that project acceptance would be highest for the mixed institutionalised approach, the hypothesis was not supported. Additionally, bribery perceptions and perceived involvement did not mediate the relationship between compensation approach and project acceptance even though it was predicted they would. However, these did mediate the relationship between project developer reputation and project acceptance. A positive reputation led to lower bribery perceptions and higher perceived involvement, resulting in higher acceptance of windfarm sitings. Finally, project developer reputation did not moderate effects of compensation approach on project acceptance, opposing the hypothesis. This research concludes that a best approach to providing community benefits might not exist and highlights the importance of a good reputation.Show less
