Wind power in Baden-Württemberg

In principle, the use of wind energy to generate electricity is widely accepted in Germany. Nevertheless, the construction of new wind turbines can repeatedly lead to protests from the local population. A UfU study therefore investigated the role that the locally implemented wind farm model and the associated forms of communication and participation play in the acceptance of wind farms. Two completed wind energy projects in Baden-Württemberg were included in the study: the wind farm of an external operator in the municipality of Simmersfeld and the community wind farm in the municipality of Freiamt. The objective was approached using a mix of methods consisting of quantitative citizen surveys and qualitative stakeholder interviews. The study revealed a clear correlation between direct communication combined with citizen-oriented planning processes and the acceptance of wind farms. The example of Freiamt shows that if planning processes are designed openly or are even in the hands of citizens, this can lead to identification with wind farm projects and even to active acceptance.