Factors Affecting the Community Acceptance of Onshore Wind Farms: A Case Study of the Zhongying Wind Farm in Eastern China

Abstract

The conflict between wind energy expansion and local environmental protection has attracted attention from society and initiated a fierce discussion about the community acceptance of wind farms. There are various empirical studies on factors affecting the public acceptance of wind farms, but little concerning the correlation and significance of factors, especially in a close distance to the wind farms. This paper aims to identify, classify, and analyze the factors affecting community acceptance through literature review, questionnaire, variance analysis, and linear regression analysis. A total of 169 questionnaires was conducted in 17 villages around the Zhongying Wind Farm in Zhejiang Province, China. The factors are categorized into four groups: Location-related factors, demographic factors, environmental impact factors, and public participation factors. Through the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression analysis, the outcome shows the universal rule of community acceptance under the Chinese social background. Finally, recommendations for improving wind farm planning procedures are put forward.