Does The Wind Blow Harder Close To The Border?; Examining cross-border effects of wind energy development on the Dutch-German border in the context of community acceptance
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2025-07-21
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nl
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This thesis explores Dutch community acceptance of wind energy projects developed just across the German border. As Germany accelerates wind farm development—often near the Dutch border—Dutch residents face visual and environmental impacts without having a say in the planning process. Using the Social Acceptance Theory (Wüstenhagen et al., 2007) and expanding it with a new “border dimension,” the study analyzes four case studies through 19 interviews with residents, policymakers, and experts.
Key findings show that acceptance is lower when Dutch residents are excluded from decision-making, receive no benefits, and lack trust in German authorities. Cultural and procedural differences between the two countries further complicate cooperation. However, cases with strong cross-border communication and shared planning show higher acceptance.
The study concludes that improving transparency, aligning regulations, and ensuring fair participation and compensation—regardless of national borders—can enhance community acceptance. It offers practical recommendations for policymakers and contributes to academic discussions on transnational energy governance.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen