A methodology for integrating community acceptance of wind energy into energy system modelling (ESM)

Decarbonisation of the energy system is key to achieving the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C which can be achieved by electrified and interconnected systems with a high share of variable renewables. This transition is shaped by uncertain factors, which include technology innovation, resource availability, and socio-economic variables. Energy system modelling (ESM) has been a key policy tool to study decarbonisation pathways. ESM provides stakeholders in the energy sector with knowledge-based and systematic methods to reach decisions about which technologies to support. However, present-day ESM mainly integrates techno-economical input parameters, whereas social factors, such as local responses to new installations, are largely understudied. ESM might therefore produce solutions that are not accepted by communities and as a result, could jeopardize energy transition goals. The main goal of this presentation is to present the framework for WINDACCEPT, a Horizon Europe project that aims to develop an innovative and interdisciplinary mixed-methods approach integrating concepts of sociology (stakeholder analysis), economic philosophy (capability approach), and technology systems (energy systems modelling) to better define the ‘real world’ feasibility of large-scale wind farms from a range of economic, political, regulatory, and societal perspectives. This new methodology will be developed and applied to the case of Norway, a country with excellent wind resources but high local opposition towards their development. The selected case study is NVE area No. 40 which includes the municipalities of Hasvik, Hammerfest, Måsøy, Kvalsund, Alta, Porsanger, and Nordkapp. This case study was selected to provide deep knowledge of the context of wind energy social barriers in Norway based on the following factors: 1) excellent wind power conditions, 2) (partly) considered by the NVE as a suitable area for wind power development based on social and environmental factors, 3) a zone where three major RE have been cancelled, and 4) a Sámi area. The methodology aims to contribute to elucidating the impacts of community barriers and value the costs and benefits of alternative options on the net zero energy system design in Norway and the effects on long-term, whole system decarbonisation in an interconnected Europe. The proposed framework will also aim to maximise techno-social synergies that provide beneficial relationships between technological and social systems to increase the social sustainability of RES.