Current Situation and Solution Factors of Environmental Disputes in the Planning Stage of the Wind Power Projects

Abstract

In Japan, promotion of wind farm projects has been considered as one of the key elements in terms of the energy security. Proponents has, however, been confronted with oppositions to their projects recently. So far, little is known about the solution of environmental disputes due to wind farm developments. In this study, the survey on newspaper articles and the questionnaire on those who were against the projects were conducted, and analyzed factors potentially leading to the dispute resolution. As a result, followings were clarified; physical plan modifications such as downsizing of the turbine, relocation of the site, were likely to be one of influential factors. Non-physical modifications such as conducting supplemental survey by the proponent, creating community benefits, the adoptive management would be effective to get agreements.