September 1st, 2009

UK Energy companies are becoming increasingly frustrated by the successes of local campaign groups to defeat wind farm or other renewable projects being built.

Despite the UKs urgent need to find alternative energy resources the strength of public feeling against renewable projects is preventing or delaying progress to the extent that they become economically non viable. This issue  has been highlighted recently by the final closure of the UKs only Wind Turbines manufacturer who have moved production to the USA.

So why are we in such a mess, and why do we resist each project at every turn?

A new study, Beyond Nimbyism, shifts the blame for the delays back on to the energy developers. The study commissioned by 5 UK Universities looked at Public Engagement with renewable projects and noticed the key problem was lack of information and trust between the energy company and residents. Too many residents only find out about a project when planning applications are in place annoying locals and encouraging resistance.

Lead author Professor Patrick Devine-Wright of Exeter University said: “The vast majority of people are in consent for renewable energy technologies.

“Developers need to think about the fact that in the main they don’t trust them. They don’t trust them at all.”

GAIA Comment

Living within an area that seems constantly under threat from Wind Turbines I see weekly comments in the local paper on the reasons why they (turbines) cannot be used. But underneath these debates is a feeling of being under siege and naturally the local population are resistant.

I agree with the Study that there has to be more open dialogue with residents but I also feel Central Government need to be more honest. Central Government need to clarify for all the UKs Energy Policy and our urgent need to find alternative resources. The UK has an energy crisis and the Government need to take the lead and not rely on Energy Companies to do their work for them.

For more on the study click here: Beyond Nimbyism Study Link

GAIA (article by Haydn)

Read related article: Alternative Energy Resources – What are we to do?

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