Lessons learned from Ontario wind energy disputes

Journal Article

Title: Lessons learned from Ontario wind energy disputes

Author:

Fast, S.; Mabee, W.; Baxter, J.; Christidis, T.; Driver, L.; Hill, S.; McMurtry, J. ; Tomkow, M.

Publication Date:

January 25, 2016

Journal:

Nature Energy

Volume:

Publisher:

Nature Energy

Affiliation

University of Ottawa, Queens University, University of Waterloo, Trent University, York University

Technology:

Wind Energy

Receptor:

Human Dimensions, Social & Economic Data

Document Access

Website:

External Link

Citation

Fast, S.; Mabee, W.; Baxter, J.; Christidis, T.; Driver, L.; Hill, S.; McMurtry, J. ; Tomkow, M. (2016). Lessons learned from Ontario wind energy disputes. Nature Energy, 1 https://doi.org/10.1038/nenergy.2015.28

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Abstract

Issues concerning the social acceptance of wind energy are major challenges for policy-makers, communities and wind developers. They also impact the legitimacy of societal decisions to pursue wind energy. Here we set out to identify and assess the factors that lead to wind energy disputes in Ontario, Canada, a region of the world that has experienced a rapid increase in the development of wind energy. Based on our expertise as a group comprising social scientists, a community representative and a wind industry advocate engaged in the Ontario wind energy situation, we explore and suggest recommendations based on four key factors: socially mediated health concerns, the distribution of financial benefits, lack of meaningful engagement and failure to treat landscape concerns seriously. Ontario's recent change from a feed-in-tariff-based renewable electricity procurement process to a competitive bid process, albeit with more attention to community engagement, will only partially address these concerns.