Social Acceptance Interventions (SAI) tool

Under task 4.1 of the WENDY project, we have developed an evaluation methodology (Deliverable 4.1) and this online tool to present behavioural interventions and other recommendations to enhance social acceptance of wind energy projects. Various studies have employed behavioural insights and interventions to increase social acceptance of renewable energy projects. We conducted a comprehensive review and selected the best practices that have been tested and implemented in wind farm projects and communities across the world.

The SAI tool is a consolidation of best practices, interventions and strategies implemented to enhance acceptance or reduce opposition of wind farms across EU and various other countries (like UK, US, Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia). Based on specific filtering criteria, the tool will present a description of the recommendation, the geographical location (country) of implementation and the reference for further details. The online version will be developed in form of a Power BI dashboard/R Shiny App with the following sections:

• Home page – the user will be presented with information about the WENDY project, the details about the WP4 (T4.1).

• SAI tool page – the user will be presented with brief information about social acceptance, the aims of the tool and instructions for using the tool. The option to download recommendations from the tool can also be provided.

• About page – the user will be provided with information about how the tool was developed, the consortium partners involved.

• Contact page – the user will be provided with ways to connect with the tool developers (e.g., contact form, email) and the option to provide feedback, suggestions for improvement.

The SAI tool will be directed at wind energy project stakeholders, but also stakeholders of RE projects, in general. Such stakeholders would include:

• Government (public authorities, local government, policy makers)

• Wind (renewable) energy project developers

• Wind farm operators

• Wind farm owners (investors, shareholders)

• Local community members (residents, associations)

• Environmental sector (NGOs, interest groups)