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The role of public participation in identifying stakeholder synergies in wind power project development: The case study of Ontario, Canada

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  • Jami, Anahita A.N.
  • Walsh, Philip R.

Abstract

Over the past several decades, the scope of decision-making in the public domain has changed from a focus on unilateral regulatory verdicts to a more comprehensive process that engages all stakeholders. Consequently, there has been a distinct increase in public participation in the environmental decision-making process. While the potential benefits of public engagement are substantial in terms of identifying synergies between public and industry stakeholders that encourage project development, this participation does not come without its challenges. Some of these key challenges include: a lack of technical knowledge in a case of complex technical issues; the process has become more time-consuming than may be necessary; a different perception of risk by citizens and experts; and individual differences in values, beliefs, and motivations, that may prevent the reaching of a joint consensus. To meet global energy demands and fulfill ambitious targets for greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy has received increased attention as a feasible alternative to non-renewable electrical generation. However, current literature on renewable energy, particularly on wind power energy, highlights potential technological, economic, social, or public barriers to renewable energy investment. This paper provides a case study of the Ontario, Canada wind power generation market, identifies the facilitators and constrainers that affected public input to wind project development in this Province, and finally provides guidance on improving public consultation in the wind project development decision-making process.

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  • Jami, Anahita A.N. & Walsh, Philip R., 2014. "The role of public participation in identifying stakeholder synergies in wind power project development: The case study of Ontario, Canada," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 194-202.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:68:y:2014:i:c:p:194-202
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2014.02.004
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    5. Anahita A. Jami & Philip R. Walsh, 2016. "Wind Power Deployment: The Role of Public Participation in the Decision-Making Process in Ontario, Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(8), pages 1-18, July.
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    15. Tzay-An Shiau & Ji-Kai Chuen-Yu, 2016. "Developing an Indicator System for Measuring the Social Sustainability of Offshore Wind Power Farms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(5), pages 1-14, May.
    16. Landeta-Manzano, Beñat & Arana-Landín, Germán & Calvo, Pilar M. & Heras-Saizarbitoria, Iñaki, 2018. "Wind energy and local communities: A manufacturer’s efforts to gain acceptance," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 314-324.
    17. Colvin, R.M. & Witt, G.Bradd & Lacey, Justine, 2016. "How wind became a four-letter word: Lessons for community engagement from a wind energy conflict in King Island, Australia," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 483-494.
    18. Langer, Katharina & Decker, Thomas & Menrad, Klaus, 2017. "Public participation in wind energy projects located in Germany: Which form of participation is the key to acceptance?," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 63-73.
    19. Xu, Haiyun & Meng, Miao & Zhu, Fangyu & Ding, Qi, 2024. "The role of local officials in promoting public participation during local urban planning processes: Evidence from Chinese cities," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
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    22. Leibenath, Markus & Wirth, Peter & Lintz, Gerd, 2016. "Just a talking shop? – Informal participatory spatial planning for implementing state wind energy targets in Germany," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 206-213.

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