%0 Thesis
%9 Master
%A Breunis, Charlotte
%D 2024
%F theses_frw:4682
%P 76
%T Who owns the place? A case study on negative emotions evoked by renewable energy projects in the Meeden Area, Groningen
%U https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4682/
%X In the Meeden Area in Groningen Province, the implementation of renewable energy   projects has evoked strong emotional reactions in inhabitants, revealing the complex   dynamics of community support for renewable energy projects. In this thesis, I analyzed the   Meeden Area case study to investigate what explains inhabitants’ negative emotions in   spatial transformations for renewable energy projects and how these negative emotions   could be mobilized for better socio-spatial outcomes. I reviewed this case through the lens of    path dependency, institutional capacity, and feminist political ecology. I used event sequence   analysis and participant observation methods including, direct observations, immediate   experiences, semi-structured interviews, and document and media analysis, focusing on   Provincie Groningen for the expert perspective and Coöperatie Eekerpolder representing the   viewpoint of local inhabitants. My analysis uncovered that inhabitants’ negative emotions   may be explained by a generational trauma of government involvement,  the dominant role   of expert technical knowledge in policy making, and the inadequacy of community   involvement methods. I conclude that path dependency has created a lock-in where local   communities were overruled by dominant government structures using top-down governance   and their power to mobilize. Moreover, the current institutional capacity of Provincie   Groningen is insufficient to bridge the gap in knowledge and relational resources between   inhabitants and government, although involved individuals are aware of the importance of   bridging this gap. To mobilize inhabitants’ negative emotions, the feminist political   ecology-perspective could be applied to the start of a spatial transformation to facilitate   genuine participation and equality. I recommend that future planning practices and research   focus not only on the technical and regulatory aspects of spatial transformations but   incorporate emotional processes to prevent unnecessary harmful effects.