Session 2 Dr Noreen Brennan - SEAI National Energy Research & Policy Conference 2022

1. University
ofGalway.ie
National Energy
Research and Policy
Conference 2022
Societal Transformation

2. University
ofGalway.ie
Social acceptability of
wind farms and electricity
export: a discrete choice
econometric approach
Dr. Noreen Brennan
noreen.brennan@universityofgalway.ie

3. University
ofGalway.ie
Wind Energy Trade & Public Acceptance
• Benefits of electricity trade: reduce impact of
intermittency, cost reductions, energy security
• Public acceptance issues: environmental & visual
impacts;
• Distributional & procedural issues with exports
• Aim: Identify impact of energy exports on wind energy
acceptance
• Focus groups, national online survey, face-to-face
local survey

4. University
ofGalway.ie
IMPACT OF EXPORT/ TRADE OF WIND ENERGY ON PREFERENCES
Local survey: 253 respondents
Experience with local benefits- exports more
acceptable
50%: +€202
100%: +€397
Level of export
National survey: 1107 members of the public
Heterogeneity
94% of the sample derive strong positive utility from
Green Fund.
Trade Green Fund
-€388 -€460

5. University
ofGalway.ie
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
• Combining both local and national WTA.
• Turbines fixed at 20, setback 1000m,
1500m, export 50%, 100%.
• The provision of benefit funds results in
positive utility for locals even at close
setback & 100% export.
• Green Fund provides the greatest utility
for local residents & high utility
nationally.
• Provision of Green Fund could increase
acceptance of wind energy generally.
• Data gathered in 2020- utility from
Green Fund now likely higher due to
energy crisis.

6. • Developer attitudes towards engagement and benefit provision
• Wind energy sector willingness to engage with methods to reduce intermittency
• Storage & demand side management- lack of public awareness
RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS

7. University
ofGalway.ie
Thank you
For more information please contact:
Name: Noreen Brennan
Email: noreen.brennan@universityofgalway.ie
www.windenergyresearchireland.com