How (not) to solve local conflicts around alternative energy production: Six cases of siting decisions of Austrian wind power parks. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kapeller, Sandro; Biegelbauer, Peter
• Is Part Of: Utilities policy. Volume 65(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Public utilities -- United States -- Periodicals; Public utilities -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2020.101062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-1787

Abstract

Abstract: Discussions on the energy transition preceded the question of how to solve conflicts on the construction of the corresponding infrastructure. These conflicts regularly turn into wicked problems. To see how such conflicts might be solved in a participatory, democratic and sustainable fashion, we analysed six cases on wind power projects in the region of Lower Austria for their participatory qualities. Most of them turned out not to have met criteria of contemporary democratic theory. Our conclusion is that in order to live up to these demands, discussion processes have to be much more open, inclusive and discursive than they are. Highlights: In the implementation of Austrian wind power projects participation is not foreseen. Many projects are given up because of ensuing political strive. As a last effort, mayors often call for decision in the form of a referendum. However, referendums often do not end conflicts. Discussion processes framing referendums should be more discursive than they are.