Green on Green: Issues of Public Opposition to Proposed Renewable Energy Projects

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-235
Author(s):  
Yankun Zhao ◽  
Tao Du
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Carbon Neutrality ◽  
Competing Interests ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Significant Harm ◽  
Combat Climate Change ◽  
Public Concerns ◽  
Public Opposition

Abstract Renewable energy is widely recognised as a significant tool to combat climate change, achieve carbon neutrality and realise sustainable development. However, even with widespread support, renewable projects may trigger conflicts and lead to green on green tension – a conflict between the environmental benefits of renewable energy projects (REP s) and public concerns over consequential environmental detriments. This article clarifies both the environmental impacts and the environmental-related impacts that can be caused by REP s and contribute to green on green tension; and examines how these can be weighed against the positives of such projects. The article argues that the stage of public participation in decision making on REP s provides the appropriate mechanism to identify and mitigate the impacts and weigh the competing interests; and that to guide this process national policies should establish a presumption in favour of REP s, rebuttable when significant harm is likely to result from the proposed project.

scholarly journals Renewable Energy Attitudes and Behaviour of Local Governments in Poland

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2765
Author(s):  
Joanna Rakowska ◽  
Irena Ozimek
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
The Public ◽  
Energy Behavior ◽  
Public Aid ◽  
Energy Projects

The deployment of renewable energy at the local level can contribute significantly to mitigating climate change, improving energy security and increasing social, economic and environmental benefits. In many countries local authorities play an important role in the local development, but renewable energy deployment is not an obligatory task for them. Hence there are two research questions: (1) Do local governments think investments in renewable energy (RE) are urgent and affordable within the local budgets? (2) How do they react to the public aid co-financing investments in renewable energy? To provide the answer we performed qualitative analysis and non-parametric tests of data from a survey of 252 local authorities, analysis of 292 strategies of local development and datasets of 1170 renewable energy projects co-financed by EU funds under operational programs 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 in Poland. Findings showed that local authorities’ attitudes were rather careful, caused by financial constraints of local budgets and the scope of obligatory tasks, which made renewable energy investments not the most urgent. Public aid was a factor significantly affecting local authorities’ behavior. It triggered local authorities’ renewable energy initiatives, increasing the number and scope of renewable energy investments as well cooperation with other municipalities and local communities. Despite this general trend, there were also considerable regional differences in local authorities’ renewable energy behavior.

scholarly journals Preliminary recognition of state of incorporating climate change impacts and adaptation considerations in SEA and EIA procedures for renewable energy projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 ◽  
pp. 07004
Author(s):  
Magdalena Tyszer ◽  
Slávka Gałaś
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Implementation Climate ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Energy Projects

In the last years, the European Union has developed and set a several environmental policies whose imposes an obligation on Member States to implement specific actions, including incorporating climate change considerations into SEA and EIA processes. One of major environmental challenges facing most developing countries is that of global climate change. The aim of the research was to obtain a comprehensive review of existing SEA and EIA practical approaches for renewable energy installations in the aspect of adaptation to climate change with specific reference to Polish projects. Both SEA and EIA procedures implemented in Poland and other countries was introduced with the intent of factoring in potential risk to the environment by future large-scale project developments such as the construction of power plants, roads, or dams. The paper consist the initial recognition of available data of the current experience and level of implementation climate change impact and adaptions into local procedures. Preliminary results suggest that the additional funding should be given for climate change adaptation in the energy sector, especially in renewable energy projects, as well as specific interventions for climate-adapted energy systems should be targeted in order to fill the gap in RES sector and spur sustainable energy development.

scholarly journals Contribution of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in Climate Resilient Approach and SDG 7

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-401
Author(s):  
Ram Chandra Khanal ◽  
Shree Raj Shakya ◽  
Tri Ratna Bajracharya
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Local Context ◽  
System Modelling ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Ghg Mitigation ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies

Renewable energy can contribute to adaptation to climate change, mitigation and development and may play an important role in resilient development ambition of Nepal. It has been emphasized in Nepal's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and climate change policy but its potential impact on SDGs era has not been fully explored and implemented. The study used employed energy system modelling by using optimization software, reviewed literature and interacted with various experts. It has been found that renewable energy technologies (RETs) provide socio-economic and environmental benefits to people that contribute to adopting and ensuring a better adaptation to climate change based on the local context. They contribute to adaptation processes by contributing to reducing the vulnerability of people, improving adaptive capacity, and minimizing climate change risk in line with SDG 7. But these are not without challenges either. Financial, technical, institutional, policy and legal issues are major challenges to promote RETs. This study shows that theoretically altogether 4.45 million tons of CO2e of the GHG emission can be mitigated per year if all the remaining technical potential of deploying seven major RETs consisting of biogas, improved water mill, stand-alone micro-hydro plants, mini-grid micro-hydro plants, solar PV home systems, mud-ICS and metal-ICS were installed after 2012. Considering the average annual installation of these RETs, altogether 30.71 million tons of CO2e can be mitigated between the periods of 2013 to 2030 at an annual additional installation equal to average installation done in recent past three years. The initial technology investment required for implementing the above mentioned RETs ranges from NRs 97 to NRs 23,247 per ton of CO2e mitigation. This indicates that though a moderate level of the initial investment is required for promoting RETs, the GHG mitigation potential seems to be quite promising. There is no liberty of inaction, so RETs can be a good case for a triple win strategy to address mitigation – adaptation – development nexus for climate compatible development in Nepal.

scholarly journals Trends in Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Across Europe—A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9161
Author(s):  
Marco Segreto ◽  
Lucas Principe ◽  
Alexandra Desormeaux ◽  
Marco Torre ◽  
Laura Tomassetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Social Acceptance ◽  
Renewable Energy Systems ◽  
General Acceptance ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Significant Barrier ◽  
Quantitative Analyses ◽  
Local Acceptance ◽  
Public Opposition

Social acceptance has proven to be a significant barrier in the implementation of renewable energy systems (hereinafter “RES”). While a general acceptance of RES is high, low local acceptance has hindered the development of renewable energy projects (hereinafter “REP”). This study assesses the determinants of local and general social acceptance of REP across Europe through a qualitative analysis from 25 case studies of the most significant social drivers and barriers that include all European countries. These case studies contain qualitative and quantitative analyses of the main factors for social acceptance of many representative groups including residents, stakeholders, and experts. Understanding the influences of social acceptance enables us to create strategies that will promote the development of REP by mitigating any public opposition.

Impact of renewable energy deployment on climate change in Nigeria

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-134
Author(s):  
Udochukwu B. Akuru ◽  
Ogbonnaya I. Okoro ◽  
Edward Chikuni
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Industrial Growth ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

It is well known fact that the rate of industrial growth of any country is a function of the amount of energy available in that country and the extent to which this energy is utilized. The burning of fossil fuels to generate energy is a dirty process. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions result when fossil fuels are produced and consumed and these emissions contribute to climate change. Nigeria as a country is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change because its economy is mainly dependent on income generated from the production, processing, export and/or consumption of fossil fuels and its associated energy-intensive products. Hence, it is on this premise that this paper is researched to review the energy sources being used in Nigeria and investigate its impact to climate change. Findings reveal Nigeria’s over-dependence on fossil-generated energy with associated adverse environmental effects, among other things. Recommendations for the integration of renewable energy into Nigeria’s energy mix, beyond other measures, have been offered, especially with reference to the salient environmental benefits that accrue to it.

Diverse interpretations enabling the continuity of community renewable energy projects: A case study of a woody biomass project in rural area of Japan

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 822-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuki Horiuchi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Woody Biomass ◽  
Collective Decision Making ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Tackle Climate Change ◽  
Project Objectives ◽  
Significant Attention

Community renewable energy projects have captured significant attention due to their potential to tackle climate change by socially and economically empowering local societies. Recently, however, various difficulties in the continuity of such projects over extended periods of time have been reported. As a case study, this article explores a woody biomass project, planned and put into practice by local people, which has lasted for over 10 years. The article first examines the process of collective decision-making among members who have diverse motivations. It then focuses on how the project objectives have been interpreted by individual members, paying particular attention to each member’s practice. The article shows that decisions related to the project were based on the diverse and constant social interactions between members, which focused on their collaboration rather than overall quantitative goals. I argue, both theoretically and empirically, that this vagueness of the overall goals has enabled the project’s continuity. Based on their own practices, it has allowed each project member to interpret the project and to gain a sense of its success. Diversity of practices within a project leads to plural sets of values, which bring sustainability to a project running in an uncertain context.

scholarly journals Multicriteria assessment of renewable energy sources in Serbia

Tehnika ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-385
Author(s):  
Bojan Stojčetović ◽  
Milan Mišić ◽  
Aleksandar Đorđević
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Multicriteria Decision Making ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Potential Solution ◽  
Analytical Hierarchical Process ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Multicriteria Assessment

The development of today's economies is inconceivable without energy. However, fossil fuel reserves are declining, climate change is accelerating and some changes in the energy sector are needed. Renewable energy sources are a potential solution for many scientists and practitioners. However, the planning and implementation of renewable energy projects requires consideration of a number of criteria, which is why multicriteria decision-making methods are often used to evaluate renewable energy sources/technologies. Goal of this paper is to evaluate four types of renewable energy sources (photovoltaic, hydro, biomass and wind energy) in Serbia. Analytical hierarchical process and seven criteria were applied. Based on the obtained results, hydro sources are ranked the best. Also, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine whether changes in the priority of criteria would cause changes in the range of alternatives. It was found that major changes in priorities are needed for changes to occur, so it can be concluded that the results obtained are relevant.

Morocco sets global pace for renewables

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Force ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Generating Capacity ◽  
Electricity Mix ◽  
The Government ◽  
Do So

Subject Morocco renewables. Significance Morocco showcased the progress it has made with the development of renewable energy at the COP21 climate change conference in Paris. At the conference, Morocco pledged to increase the renewable contribution to its electricity mix to 52% by 2030. The government has already set a target of 42% of its electricity generating capacity based on renewables by 2020: 14% each from hydro, wind and solar plants. Impacts Morocco can derive political and diplomatic benefits by projecting itself as a leading global force in developing clean energy. It will have an even better opportunity to do so when it hosts the COP22 meeting in Marrakech in November 2016. Morocco's renewable energy projects have been underpinned by subsidies, but these are likely to diminish as costs fall. Depending on technology, Morocco could export electricity generated from renewables to Europe and countries in north and west Africa.

Climate will alter political competition in Europe

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Political Competition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Climate Politics ◽  
Green Parties ◽  
Climate Change Policies ◽  
Climate Policies ◽  
Energy Projects

Subject Climate politics in Europe. Significance In Europe, climate change has shifted from being a peripheral to a central electoral issue; now mainstream parties are committing themselves to ambitious climate policies. However, overtime division will likely grow between those parties whose support is underpinned by business and conservative interests, and those who appeal strongly to younger voters. Climate change will also be a source of further competition between mainstream and national populist parties. Impacts Governing parties at the local, national and EU-levels will be judged increasingly on their environmental track-records. Most major infrastructure and non-renewable energy projects will face opposition from civil society through petitions and protests. Support for green parties could decline if traditional parties hiijack climate change policies.

Combating Climate Change in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
pp. 264-279
Author(s):  
Nor Razinah Mohd. Zain ◽  
Aznan Hasan ◽  
Siti Ainatul Mardhiah Yusof ◽  
Engku Rabiah Adawiah Engku Ali
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Financing Infrastructure

One of the main purposes for the issuance of sukuk is to fund large-scale development projects. With the rising interest for responsible finance and investment, Muslim scholars propose that besides utilizing sukuk an instrument to finance purely developmental projects, sukuk could be used as a vehicle to raise funds for financing various projects that meet the criteria of social and responsible finance. Innovation in the sukuk issuance, for example green sukuk, has played a prominent role in financing infrastructure and renewable energy projects. With the introduction of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations in 2015 that strategize to be a blueprint to achieve a sustainable future for all, green sukuk is seen as one of the most potential instruments that can be used in achieving such SDGs. Green sukuk stands with an advantage of a Shariah-compliance financing instrument which, besides meeting the demands from the investors and stakeholders, is also able to provide for a better alternative in a term of social finance discourse. Looking closely into the initiative in combating climate change in Malaysia, this research qualitatively investigates the potential and roles of green sukuk in leading the trend in eco-friendly investments and development projects. The research found that there is a positive trend among investors towards issuing green sukuk that are based on eco-friendly investments and development projects.

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