Future energy choices, present public concerns
Dr Chris Jones, of the University of Sheffield's Department of Psychology, is exploring public attitudes towards climate change and future energy choices, such as nuclear power and wind farms, in order to understand the reasons behind, for example, public opposition to these technologies.
Many would agree that the technology now exists to solve the impending energy crisis, so the aim of Dr Jones's research is to help understand the social factors that might determine the extent to which these technologies can be successfully deployed.
The threats posed by climate change are placing governments under increasing pressure to meet electricity demand from low-carbon sources. In many countries, including the UK, legislation is in place to ensure the continued expansion of renewable energy capacity. Onshore wind turbines are expected to play a key role in achieving these aims.
However, despite high levels of public support for onshore wind development in principle, specific projects often experience local opposition. Traditionally this difference in general and specific attitudes has been attributed to NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard), but evidence is increasingly calling this assumption into question.
Dr Jones conducted a survey into attitudes towards wind turbines in Sheffield, to clarify the reasons behind opposition to wind turbine development. He surveyed a sample of people living adjacent to 4 sites shortlisted for wind development, and compared this group to another not affected by the issue. Dr Jones found little evidence of NIMBYism amongst members of the target group. In fact, differences between general and specific attitudes appeared attributable to uncertainty regarding the proposals. The results of the study highlight the importance of early, continued and responsive community involvement in combating local opposition and facilitating the deployment of onshore wind turbines.
Dr Jones explains: "If people feel that energy solutions are imposed on them, for instance a new wind farm or nuclear power plant, they are more likely to object. My research has highlighted the importance of involving local communities in decision-making, thereby tailoring solutions to fit a specific community or area. In the case of wind farms, the benefits can leave the community, particularly if the electricity generated goes to the national grid. But by involving host communities in the decisions that affect them, facility siting becomes a much fairer and democratic process."
Key to Dr Jones's research is the question of how to understand and address local opposition and motivate local support: "Addressing local opposition in the context of facility siting is only half of the story. In many host communities there exists a silent majority who are either supportive of, or indifferent to proposed installations; however, it is the vociferous minority that tend to exert the biggest impact on planning decisions."
Other major strands of Dr Jones's research include public attitudes to carbon capture and storage technologies in relation to coal-fired power stations, a comparison of energy and environment attitudes in the UK and Sweden, and the impact of the UK government's framing of nuclear power as an acceptable energy option.
Dr Jones is working with a number of key stakeholders, including Sheffield City Council and national energy companies, to ensure that his research has an impact on the development of renewable energy sources, thereby facilitating progression towards the UK's ambitious renewable energy targets.
For further information, please contact Dr Chris Jones at:
email : c.r.jones@sheffield.ac.uk
Suggested links:
Water, Energy & Environment article
Attitudes to wind farms - Dr Chris Jones (PDF, 434KB)
Understanding wind farm opposition - Dr Chris Jones (PDF, 674KB)