Towards the end of 20th and beginning of the 21st century, interest has risen in new and renewable energy (RE) sources, especially wind energy for electricity generation. In the course of a short period of time, wind energy was welcomed by society, industry and politics as a clean, practical, economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional energy sources. Among renewable energy technologies, wind energy accounts for the highest share in gross electricity consumption in Germany. To keep this renewable share up, wind energy projects have to combine technological aspects with environmental and social aspects. The successful planning and implementation of a wind farm crucially depends on acceptance by the citizens living in the vicinity of the site. Factors influencing acceptance of wind energy can be categorised into process-related variables, personal characteristics, perceived side effects and technical and geographical issues. This article defines acceptance and identifies the relevant factors which have an impact upon acceptance or non-acceptance of renewable energy technologies by citizens in Germany.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Key words
- Introduction
- 1. Introduction to wind energy
- 2. Germany's wind energy: current potential
- 3. Discussion: Acceptation and opposition to wind energy in Germany
- 3.1. Initiatives on the federal level
- 3.2. Citizens initiatives
- 4. Example: Citizence Initiative Oberweser-Bramwald e. V
- Conclusion
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
This article aims to define the acceptance of wind energy in Germany and identify factors influencing its adoption by citizens. It explores the historical context of wind energy utilization, examines Germany's current wind energy potential, and discusses initiatives at both the federal and citizen levels impacting its implementation. The article also highlights the interplay between technological advancements, environmental concerns, and social acceptance in the successful integration of wind energy.
- Historical Development of Wind Energy
- Germany's Wind Energy Potential and Policy
- Factors Influencing Public Acceptance of Wind Energy
- Role of Citizen Initiatives in Wind Energy Projects
- Technological Advancements in Wind Turbine Technology
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the study by highlighting the increasing global interest in renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy, as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. It emphasizes the environmental impacts of fossil fuels, such as air pollution and the greenhouse effect, and underscores the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources to mitigate these effects. The chapter also introduces the central question of the article: understanding the factors that influence public acceptance of wind energy in Germany. The role of Germany in the global transition towards wind energy is emphasized by mentioning the high share wind energy has in the country's gross electricity consumption. The need for balancing technological, environmental, and social aspects in wind energy projects is also pointed out.
1. Introduction to wind energy: This chapter provides a historical overview of wind energy utilization, tracing its applications from ancient civilizations to modern-day technologies. It details the evolution of windmills and wind turbines, highlighting significant advancements in aerodynamics, structural dynamics, and micrometeorology that have led to increased energy yield and efficiency. The chapter explains the basic principles of wind energy generation, describing how wind turbines convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. It also emphasizes the importance of wind resource assessment, including the study of geographical distribution of wind speeds and local wind flow patterns for effective deployment of wind turbines. The unique challenges associated with wind turbine components are also briefly discussed.
2. Germany's wind energy: current potential: This chapter focuses on the development of renewable energy technologies in Germany, particularly the expansion of wind energy. It discusses the regulatory framework that has supported investments in renewable energy, emphasizing the connection between renewable energy expansion and decentralization of energy provision. The chapter highlights Germany's impressive growth in installed wind capacity, its leading role in Europe's wind energy sector and the role of policy stimulations in supporting the implementation of additional capacity. The spatial, technical, economic, and social implications of decentralized renewable energy production, particularly concerning wind energy's volatility and the long-term nature of funding policies are briefly examined.
Keywords
Wind energy, renewable energy, wind power, grid energy, Germany's wind energy, citizen initiatives, initiatives on the federal level, wind energy potential, public acceptance, renewable energy technologies, environmental impact, fossil fuels, technological advancements, policy, decentralization.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a language resource. It includes the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and a list of keywords. The text is obtained from a publishing company and contains OCR data intended solely for academic use, analyzing themes in a structured and professional manner.
What are the main topics covered in the table of contents?
The table of contents outlines the following topics: an abstract, keywords, an introduction, an introduction to wind energy, Germany's wind energy potential, a discussion of acceptance and opposition to wind energy in Germany (including initiatives on the federal level and citizens' initiatives), an example of a citizen initiative, a conclusion, and references.
What are the objectives and key themes of the document?
The article aims to define the acceptance of wind energy in Germany and identify factors influencing its adoption by citizens. It explores the historical context of wind energy utilization, examines Germany's current wind energy potential, and discusses initiatives at both the federal and citizen levels impacting its implementation. Key themes include the historical development of wind energy, Germany's wind energy potential and policy, factors influencing public acceptance, the role of citizen initiatives, and technological advancements in wind turbine technology.
Can you summarize the key points of the "Introduction" chapter?
The introduction emphasizes the increasing global interest in wind energy as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels and highlights the environmental impacts of fossil fuels. It underscores the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources and introduces the central question of the article: understanding the factors that influence public acceptance of wind energy in Germany. It also highlights the high share wind energy has in the country's gross electricity consumption and the need for balancing technological, environmental, and social aspects in wind energy projects.
What is covered in the chapter "1. Introduction to wind energy"?
This chapter provides a historical overview of wind energy utilization, tracing its applications from ancient civilizations to modern technologies. It details the evolution of windmills and wind turbines, highlighting significant advancements in aerodynamics, structural dynamics, and micrometeorology. It explains the basic principles of wind energy generation and emphasizes the importance of wind resource assessment.
What does the chapter "2. Germany's wind energy: current potential" discuss?
This chapter focuses on the development of renewable energy technologies in Germany, particularly the expansion of wind energy. It discusses the regulatory framework that has supported investments in renewable energy, emphasizing the connection between renewable energy expansion and decentralization of energy provision. It highlights Germany's growth in installed wind capacity and leading role in Europe's wind energy sector.
What keywords are associated with this document?
The keywords associated with this document are: Wind energy, renewable energy, wind power, grid energy, Germany's wind energy, citizen initiatives, initiatives on the federal level, wind energy potential, public acceptance, renewable energy technologies, environmental impact, fossil fuels, technological advancements, policy, decentralization.
- Quote paper
- Tetiana Rudenko (Author), 2021, Wind energy. Current and future potential, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1607546
