International Perspectives on Social Acceptance of Offshore Wind Energy: A Roundtable Hosted by the International Energy Agency (Wind Task 28)

September 26, 2019

By the end of 2018, global offshore wind capacity exceeded 22.5 Gigawatts (GW) from 176 operating projects. Capacity is expected to exceed 150 GW by 2030, and long-range projections estimate over 500 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050, with broadening international participation. This rapid growth is driven by technology improvements, rapid cost declines, increased demand for renewable electricity, and policy mechanisms - often targeted at mitigating climate change. Despite increasing technological, market, and political acceptance of offshore wind, the acceptance by local communities and stakeholders is a key determinant of deployment. Indeed, social opposition to proposed offshore wind projects has delayed and derailed multiple projects across the globe. Although a rich literature exists on social acceptance and attitudes toward land-based wind, there is less understanding and consensus regarding social responses to offshore wind.

Hosted by the International Energy Agency – Wind Task 28, this webinar will share lessons learned from four international researchers. Through international collaboration, dialogue, and learning, we aim to enhance understanding of this critical – yet often undervalued – component of offshore wind project planning and operation.

Speakers and Presentations:

Jeremy Firestone (USA) – University of Delaware
“Can Offshore Wind Power Find a Place at the U.S. Table?”
Gundula Hübner (Germany) – Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg
“On the Long Run - Longitudinal Impact of Offshore Turbines on Residents and Tourism”
Patrick Devine-Wright (United Kingdom) – University of Exeter
“Understanding Community Acceptance of Wind Energy in Different Offshore Locations”
Yasushi Maruyama (Japan) – Nagoya University
“Benefit Sharing Ideas of an Offshore Windfarm with the Fishery Community”

Facilitators:

Suzanne Tegen (USA) – National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Joe Rand (USA) – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory