Abstract
Renewable energy developments within local contexts are increasingly political rather than technical challenges. The research question guiding the findings presented within this chapter is on the role of social media in mobilising a community in opposition to a renewable energy development. The paper analyses a social media campaign acting as a mobilising force for the successful opposition to a rural wind farm development. A mixed-method approach to social media analysis has been developed to provide insights across two key parameters: geographical context and engagement. Two key empirical findings are represented; firstly, the geographical context of social media posts has a clear impact on rates of engagement, with relevance to organising online opposition, and trying to manage conflict for developers. Secondly, there was a strong correlation between engagement with the page and successes within the opposition campaign in real life, highlighting the role social media plays both in energy politics in local contexts, and in a broader societal context, energising real world action. As with much of social life, social media and online communication holds significant influence. Further consideration is needed as to how this may impact upon energy transitions and climate action more broadly.