Renewable energy and the public

Public acceptability is increasingly seen as a constraint on the exploitation of renewable energy. Despite the high level of support for renewable energy in general, attitudes towards specific projects among some parts of ‘the public’ can be more negative, and conflict can appear particularly within processes of planning approval. A review is provided of research into and experience of public attitudes to renewable energy in general and to four renewable technologies (HEP, geothermal, tidal and wind). Reasons for conflict are identified and possible responses and ways to reduce opposition are suggested. It is concluded that more research is needed in order to gather a clearer and more sensitive understanding of public attitudes and how they are formed and developed.