Political conflicts over wind power development in Sweden

Wind power development contributes to the transition of energy supply to a system based on renewable electricity. However, many projects are rejected because of local opposition to wind power or other conflicting interests. Critics claim that the current decision process slows down the energy transition and increases its cost.

Others argue that municipal decisions over wind power represent an important exercise of local democracy.

This project aims to examine political conflicts over wind power development by examining the economic, environmental, and political determinants of project acceptance or rejection in Sweden. The analysis shall examine all applications for wind power submitted to Swedish municipalities since 2003.

The results of the project can provide valuable knowledge for an assessment and potential revision of the legal framework surrounding wind power in Sweden.