Drivers of public attitudes towards small wind turbines in the UK

Rebelo, H., Tatchley, C., Paton, H., Robertson, E., Minderman, J., Hanley, N. and Park, K. (2016) Drivers of public attitudes towards small wind turbines in the UK. PLoS ONE, 11(3), e0152033. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152033) (PMID:27011356) (PMCID:PMC4806928)

Abstract

Small Wind Turbines (SWTs) are a growing micro-generation industry with over 870,000 installed units worldwide. No research has focussed on public attitudes towards SWTs, despite evidence the perception of such attitudes are key to planning outcomes and can be a barrier to installations. Here we present the results of a UK wide mail survey investigating public attitudes towards SWTs. Just over half of our respondents, who were predominantly older, white males, felt that SWTs were acceptable across a range of settings, with those on road signs being most accepted and least accepted in hedgerows and gardens. Concern about climate change positively influenced how respondents felt about SWTs. Respondent comments highlight visual impacts and perceptions of the efficiency of this technology are particularly important to this sector of the UK public. Taking this into careful consideration, alongside avoiding locating SWTs in contentious settings such as hedgerows and gardens where possible, may help to minimise public opposition to proposed installations.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hanley, Professor Nicholas
• Authors: Rebelo, H., Tatchley, C., Paton, H., Robertson, E., Minderman, J., Hanley, N., and Park, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: PLoS ONE
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• ISSN: 1932-6203
• ISSN (Online): 1932-6203
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 Tatchley et al.
• First Published: First published in PLoS ONE 11(3): e0152033
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License