EE in conflict

The energy transition and the implementation of renewable energies are viewed very positively in Germany and are widely accepted by the population. However, the high level of approval declines as soon as citizens are directly affected by the siting of renewable energies. This often leads to local protests by affected residents and the formation of citizens’ initiatives against the planned projects. As a result, local reservations of acceptance can lead to considerable delays in project implementation, if not even the abandonment of the project, as well as considerable additional costs for operating companies, municipalities and approving authorities. The NIMBY effect (“not in my backyard”) is often mentioned in this context. However, the concept has only limited explanatory power. There are usually other, locally specific reasons behind the NIMBY phenomenon that lead to rejection. As part of the “Renewable energies in conflict” project, UfU examined a total of 40 conflicts surrounding the generation of renewable energies, their transportation and their storage. Internet research and content analyses were used to investigate the reasons for energy conflicts, the genesis of each conflict and attempts to resolve them. In addition to feared risks, communication problems and a lack of benefits, the most important reason for opposing plans to build new infrastructure projects for renewable energy was feared disruption to the familiar living environment. However, this result opens up good opportunities for operating companies and approval authorities to steer conflicts in a constructive direction through transparent communication, compensation and participation.