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Mitigating local opposition in renewable energy projects expansion: Evidence from Denmark

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  • Sun, Jie
  • Yang, Yingkui
  • Zhou, Peng

Abstract

Protests against renewable energy (RE) projects by “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) opponents have resulted in renewable energy expansion being postponed or abandoned. Addressing such opposition poses a severe challenge for policymakers and project developers. This study proposes an analytical framework, encompassing five dimensions: technological, institutional, environmental, economic, and social, to unpack the drivers of NIMBYism. Drawing on qualitative content analysis of Danish media reports and municipal documents, the framework is applied to compare two contrasting RE initiatives: a municipality-led renewable energy project in Tønder and a community-driven solar park project in Hunderup–Sejstrup. The analysis examines how different measures shape local responses to RE development. The findings reveal that procedural fairness, transparent decision-making, and genuine community co-ownership foster greater acceptance than financial compensation or top-down planning alone. Notably, neither case implemented explicit measures to address environmental concerns, suggesting that perceived procedural injustice and a lack of trust—rather than ecological concerns—were the primary sources of opposition. By highlighting the critical role of participatory and trust-based governance, this study advances the literature on renewable energy acceptance and provides practical insights for mitigating local opposition in the energy transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Jie & Yang, Yingkui & Zhou, Peng, 2026. "Mitigating local opposition in renewable energy projects expansion: Evidence from Denmark," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 257(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:257:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125025662
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124902
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    References listed on IDEAS

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