Lessons from
the wind energy controversy
Green alternative energy projects - sun, wind and
water - are widely seen as the solution to improving our environmental
footprint and lessening our dependence on non-renewable resources. Wind
energy developments in particular, are growing rapidly in North America.
In Canada,
2009 marked the first year that wind developments were operating in every
province, and wind-generated electricity is already powering almost one million
homes and businesses across the country with clean energy. But there is more to
the story.
Long an
accepted reality in countries like Germany, Denmark and Spain, here at home
they've unleashed a storm of controversy and opposition that is creating
negative headlines and headaches for those working to advance alternative
energy initiatives. Opposition is particularly strong in heavily populated Ontario,
home of the largest number of wind development projects in Canada. In fact, it
has led Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to publicly decry the "NIMBYism" - not
in my backyard syndrome - that has become so prevalent in the province.
The concerns
of wind farm opponents are wide ranging and include fear of potential human health
impacts resulting from turbine vibrations, complaints about noise and the
specter of decreased real estate values for properties near a development.
The Canadian
Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) attributes the backlash to a knowledge gap
when it comes to wind energy. The large modern wind turbine is relatively new
to most Canadians and most have never seen or experienced a wind farm. This
means people have little understanding of what a wind farm does or doesn't
sound like, how they work or how they are connected to the grid.
Proponents of
wind energy praise the new jobs that developments bring into rural areas and
the fact that the extra income from a turbine can make the difference between a
family keeping or selling their farm. Opinion poll research has shown that
Canadians overwhelmingly support wind energy for its environmental benefits,
its support of farmers, jobs and rural infrastructure.
"This contrast
clearly shows there is a need to build bridges," says Rob Hannam,
President of Synthesis Agri-Food Network.
"Productive,
two-way communication is essential to counter NIMBY sentiments and to build the
support needed to make projects like wind energy work," he says. "We need to look at alternative energies if we
want to be serious about greening our environment and it's obviously something both
farmers and the public are asking for."
CanWEA is
increasing its efforts in the area of community engagement by starting development
of an Industry Code of Conduct and Best Practices Guidelines to help build
relationships between wind companies and the landowners and communities that
will host wind farms.
This is a
great step forward, says Hannam, but feels it's a dialogue that should take
place at the onset to prevent negative sentiments and bad publicity from taking
hold and setting the agenda when it comes to new innovations.
"It's
important to anticipate potential problems and concerns early so that we don't
unnecessarily limit the potential of new technologies and approaches that can
help us "green" our society," he says. "There is tremendous environmental and
economic opportunity in alternative energies, like wind, that have a lot of
positive future potential."
Insights - What
can be learned from the wind energy controversy?
Build
grassroots support - With any new
project or innovation, take a proactive approach in consulting with
stakeholders, anticipating concerns and building relationships right from the
start. This helps build trust and respect between all parties and can make it
easier to address problem areas as they arise.
Explain
complex issues -
To build support,
be an active part of the debate right from the beginning. This means defining
and explaining an issue in easy to understand, relevant terms so people know
what it will mean to them. Make sure you
have third party research or information that can help validate your position.
Public
opinion rules - Do
not underestimate the power of public opinion. The majority of the population
lives in urban areas and a growing number of urbanites are relocating to the
countryside to get out of the city. This means the urban view of major issues
will greatly impact life in rural areas, both now and in the future. The wind
energy controversy is just one example.
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