Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
inluence political support and funding special interest groups to provide
research-based advocacy for preservation of the status quo. Naturally, none
of this is very efective if the conventional energy irms do not possess the
inancial might to substantially impact market dynamics.
he existence of a domestic wind power manufacturing sector also inlu-
ences wind power development prospects in a given nation, because a com-
petitive advantage of wind power is a superior job creation proile when
compared to conventional energy irms. If a nation lacks wind power system
manufacturing activity, the appeal of the technology and the beneit to the
nation is lessened.
he takeaway from this is that the evolution of energy systems occurs in
a dynamic, competitive environment where a key goal is typically to make it
diicult for competitors to gain market share because elevated market share
engenders economies of scale that enhance proitability. herefore, poli-
cymakers should be aware that conventional energy irms will attempt to
paint their technologies in a favorable light through biased research. Wind
power advocates must be prepared to counter such claims.
10.4.5 Economic Factor 5: Community Economic Benefits
he case studies clearly suggest that communities which beneit economi-
cally from wind power development are most likely to support further
capacity expansion. Conversely, NIMBY opposition is most likely to arise
in communities that do not stand to gain economically from wind power
development.
Given these insights, the challenge for wind power policy advocates is
to craft proposals to ensure that communities beneit from wind power
development in as many ways as possible. he case studies have indicated
that initiatives could include: i) designing investment schemes to beneit
community investors, ii) integrating local content requirements into wind
power projects, iii) delegating the siting process to municipalities, and iv)
ensuring that electricity stays in the community in which it is generated.
Evidence from the case studies also highlights the likelihood of anxiety
to change in communities where conventional energy has historically been
a source of community employment and investment. If wind power devel-
opments displace technologies that have inancially beneited a community,
policymakers must be sensitive to the fact that there will be transitional
losses associated with a shift away from conventional energy. Mechanisms
must be developed in order to attenuate these losses and mitigate the oppo-
sition that arises from disenfranchised community members. his can also
