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Trends in Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Across Europe—A Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Marco Segreto

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, via Salaria 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy)

  • Lucas Principe

    (College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA)

  • Alexandra Desormeaux

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Art and Social Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada)

  • Marco Torre

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, via Salaria 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy)

  • Laura Tomassetti

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, via Salaria 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy)

  • Patrizio Tratzi

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, via Salaria 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy)

  • Valerio Paolini

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, via Salaria 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy)

  • Francesco Petracchini

    (National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, via Salaria 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy)

Abstract

Social acceptance has proven to be a significant barrier in the implementation of renewable energy systems (hereinafter “RES”). While a general acceptance of RES is high, low local acceptance has hindered the development of renewable energy projects (hereinafter “REP”). This study assesses the determinants of local and general social acceptance of REP across Europe through a qualitative analysis from 25 case studies of the most significant social drivers and barriers that include all European countries. These case studies contain qualitative and quantitative analyses of the main factors for social acceptance of many representative groups including residents, stakeholders, and experts. Understanding the influences of social acceptance enables us to create strategies that will promote the development of REP by mitigating any public opposition.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Segreto & Lucas Principe & Alexandra Desormeaux & Marco Torre & Laura Tomassetti & Patrizio Tratzi & Valerio Paolini & Francesco Petracchini, 2020. "Trends in Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Across Europe—A Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:24:p:9161-:d:458653
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