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Exploring Residents’ Perceptions of Offshore Wind Farms in Western Australia: A Qualitative Investigation

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  • Elena Turner

    (Business & Accounting School, Faculty of Arts & Society, Charles Darwin University, Darwin City, NT 0800, Australia)

  • Michael Odei Erdiaw-Kwasie

    (Business & Accounting School, Faculty of Arts & Society, Charles Darwin University, Darwin City, NT 0800, Australia)

Abstract

Residents’ attitudes towards offshore wind farms have been researched extensively over the past few decades. In this research, the precept that offshore wind farms influence residents’ well-being is implicit. Only a few studies have directly examined residents’ knowledge, perceived benefits, and acceptance. This study attempts to go beyond attitude-based research and explicitly examines factors influencing acceptance decision-making. The data for this qualitative study was collected through face-to-face interviews at a proposed offshore wind farm site in Perth, Western Australia. Results from the study suggest that offshore wind farms are not perceived or responded to uniformly by residents. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics and complexities behind identifying and explaining how residents of designated communities perceive offshore wind farms in a nuanced manner. Therefore, this study proffers significant theoretical discussions and practical implications regarding developing sustainable renewable energy alternatives in cities across Australia.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Turner & Michael Odei Erdiaw-Kwasie, 2025. "Exploring Residents’ Perceptions of Offshore Wind Farms in Western Australia: A Qualitative Investigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6880-:d:1712528
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    References listed on IDEAS

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