The evolution of the pre- and post-construction public opinions toward offshore wind energy on the Belgian coast

Abstract

Offshore wind farms are increasingly part of the modern coastal landscape and are often the reason for public opposition. To inform policymakers and to facilitate public participation strategies, the present study examines public opinion concerning offshore wind energy projects on the Belgian coast, its evolution over time and significant determinants. Public opinion is compared for three moments in time. A significant increase in acceptance was found between 2002 (planning phase prior to construction) and 2009 (turbines operational and more under construction). Acceptance remained at a high level from 2009 to 2019 with expansion still ongoing. Familiarization led to a reduction in negative attitudes. In the current population (2019), the visibility of the turbines has no influence on attitudes. Support for wind energy can be ensured when the facilities are perceived as part of the coast’s identity and when perceived impacts can be kept low.

Keywords:

• offshore wind energy
• public opinion
• acceptance
• post-construction attitude
• ordinal regression

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Sum of the people agreeing and strongly agreeing.

2 Sum of the people disagreeing and strongly disagreeing.

3 Sum of the people agreeing and strongly agreeing.

4 In 2019, the respondents were asked to indicate only “one” preferred location, while in 2002 and 2009, respondents were asked to indicate “at least one.”

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially supported by the Special Research Fund (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds – BOF) of Ghent University [grant agreement number BOF.24Y.2018.003].