The influence of compensation and incentive models on Social Acceptance of wind power development in Sweden

The necessity of increasing the generation of renewable energy is extensively recognized, however its expansion requires social and political acceptance. Wind power is seen as a promising and vital source of energy, and with new technology, it is expected to grow significantly. However, empirical experience indicates that the number of decisions to apporve wind power applications has declined, and resistance is expected to be the cause. The aim of this research study is to analyze and evaluate to what extent economic compensation or economic incentives could influence social acceptance of wind power in Sweden through the lens of the theoretical framework of energy justice. The study uses a mixed method approach while examining the principles of distributional and procedural justice. The quantitative method using surveys and a qualitative method using semi-structured interviews provided the base for the outcomes. The results demonstrate that communities often resist wind power projects, and compensation is likley to influence acceptance of wind power and is thus seen as vastly important and a requirement for future development. The injustice of current compensation systems and low involvement in the decision-making process among local residents are further considered issues for the development of wind power. This further indicates attention to energy justice using distributional and procedural justice as a framework to integarte wind power into a social context to avoid unfairness between the burden and benefits of those affected by wind power.