Future acceptance of wind energy production: Exploring future local acceptance of wind energy production in a Swiss alpine region

Future sustainable energy systems strongly rely on new renewable energies. Wind energy production has become an interesting option for alpine regions. In addition to grid reliability, public acceptance is an important factor that currently limits wind energy's market penetration. An interdisciplinary research team explored, through socio-economic and technical approaches, the current and future acceptance of wind energy production in the Swiss energy region of Goms, an alpine valley at 1300m above sea level. The focus of this paper is on research questions comprising future societal challenges for the local population. For this purpose, the focus-group discussion has proven to be a valuable participatory method. Concerning future development of wind energy in the Alps, regional value creation (including workplaces) and the placement of systems where man-made infrastructure is already present were the main visions mentioned by workshop participants. So far, wind energy as implemented in the valley of Goms has not been perceived as a topic of conflict by the local community. Crucial components towards local acceptance of wind turbines are questions of aesthetics, technical performance and economic feasibility. •Rarely visible wind plant installations evoked little opposition.•Focus group workshop participants emphasized the regional value creation.•Technical performance and economic feasibility are also significant.•Small scale wind energy turbines are preferred options for isolated buildings.•Future local acceptance can be explored by the focus group method.