Environmental Impacts and Social Acceptance of Wind Farms: An Empirical Study in Western Macedonia, Greece
Abstract
Wind energy constitutes an important component of the transition towards renewable and low-carbon energy systems. Despite its environmental and economic advantages compared with conventional fossil-fuel-based electricity generation, the development of wind farms is frequently accompanied by concerns regarding their effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, landscapes, land use, and local communities. These concerns may influence public attitudes and create a gap between general support for renewable energy and the acceptance of wind energy projects at the local level. This study investigates public perceptions of wind energy and the social acceptance of wind farms in Western Macedonia, Greece. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered electronically and in printed form to 200 residents of the region. The survey examined respondents' awareness of environmental and energy issues, perceptions of renewable energy, ecological concerns, emotional responses to wind farms, and willingness to accept wind-energy installations at different locations. The findings reveal a complex pattern of attitudes. Although 71% of respondents considered renewable energy sources to contribute positively to electricity generation from environmental and economic perspectives, acceptance was strongly influenced by project location. While 66% were willing to accept a wind farm in an isolated area, 53.5% were unwilling to accept one near their place of residence. Moreover, 56.5% believed that decisions concerning wind-farm siting should involve all relevant stakeholders. The findings highlight the importance of appropriate spatial planning, environmental assessment, public participation, and targeted communication in improving the social acceptance of wind-energy projects.
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