%X In many cases, the planning and construction process for wind farm projects appears to be a complicated matter. Despite the positive attitude towards wind power, local wind farm projects often face strong opposition. This study aims to examine how public participation contributes to the acceptance of citizens towards wind farms. This thesis is based on qualitative data collected from residents living in the vicinity of a Dutch large-scale onshore wind farm. Besides, an interview has been conducted with an employee of the municipality of Hollands-Kroon. The results show that a perception of acceptance was prevalent in the wind farm activities prior to the planning process. However, the perceived participation and engagement methods in the planning and construction process resulted in a decrease in the acceptability of the initiators’ activities. In fact, the findings demonstrate that residents’ participation in the planning process was relatively passive, and their participation was limited. Thus, it appears that the quality of the interactions in public participation is essential. It is not merely the amount of participation that plays a part. Instead, it is the need for the quality of these participation methods.
%A Kristian Kuut
%D 2022
%L theses_frw3941
%T How a pre-existing social license to operate diminishes due to inadequate public participation: learning from the Wieringermeer wind farm