Powering the energy transition: Unravelling the influence of perceived fairness on wind park acceptance among residents.

To act against climate change, the pressure on countries to invest more in renewable energy is higher than ever. To understand how such projects’ implementation can be improved, this research investigated the influence that fairness can have on the acceptance of wind parks. Furthermore, it examined whether the justice rules of distributional, procedural, interpersonal, informational, and recognition influence the respective fairness judgments. The sample consisted of 109 individuals living near a wind park, mainly from Germany. Fairness judgment significantly predicted acceptance. The items of procedural-, informational-, and interpersonal justice rules were all loading on only one factor each, confirming the expectations set by the literature. For distributional- and recognition justice rules, more than one factor was found. The impact of fairness on the acceptance of wind parks and the importance of all dimensions of fairness were demonstrated. Providing fair treatment and implementation of the wind park to residents can increase acceptance. The questionnaire provides future research with a tool to extensively measure all the fairness aspects of a sustainable energy project in one survey. The findings offer insights that can be used in practice to increase acceptance of energy projects.