Tipping the decision of offshore wind farm decommissioning – The causal effects of biodiversity illustrations and information on the social acceptance

The first offshore wind farms are reaching the end of their lifetime and will need decommissioning. This introduces both environmental challenges and questions regarding the social acceptance of different decommissioning options. This study explores Danish public attitudes towards leaving structural elements in the sea when decommissioning for biodiversity benefits versus removing and recycling for climate gains. A national survey (n = 2,348) was conducted using a randomized control setup with variations in written and visual information. Respondents received one of three text versions regarding biodiversity and climate impacts, accompanied by illustrations of structures with or without marine life. Results suggest that written information significantly influenced acceptance: texts emphasizing biodiversity benefits increased the acceptance of leaving structural elements in the sea when decommissioning, whereas additional details on climate benefits from recycling prompted greater hesitation. Visual information without marine life amplified the effect of written content. Sociodemographic factors, such as gender and income, influenced attitudes. Additionally, the respondents' willingness to take risks and perceptions of marine health further correlated with attitudes. These findings are vital for policymakers and stakeholders as they navigate the complex decisions surrounding offshore wind decommissioning, aiming for solutions that balance ecological benefits with public acceptance.