In the new age of environmental friendly power savers reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions, there has been great interest in Combined Heat and Power (CHP). However, the development of biomass CHP has been held back by Economic and technical problems and has faced an increasing public opposition and public anxiety. In addition to resulting in failed planning applications, public opposition can also cause a delay in the planning process, which ultimately results in economic loss.
Local opposition
This information paper aims to review the reasons for local opposition to medium-scale bio-energy generation plants within the UK.
The reasons for public opposition to biomass energy projects can be broadly categorized as:
1. Siting.
2. Emissions and health hazards.
3. Traffic.
4. Landscape and agriculture.
5. Economic concerns.
6. Distrust and Disinformation.
7. Understanding and Involvement.
1. Siting
Issues raised by the public regarding siting of biomass generation projects are generally related to the location of the power plant, how by-products will be disposed of, how and where the biomass fuel will be grown, and how close the bio-energy generation plant will be in relation to local residents. Dwellers also fear an impact of the development on house prices.
2. Emissions and Health Hazards
Public opposition regarding emissions is related to: the emission of greenhouse gases and water vapour, the generation of unpleasant odours, the fear of public health hazards, the emission of light at night and vibrations and noises from the power plant.
3. Traffic
Transportation of biomass to an energy plant is a frequent issue raised by the local community. The transportation is associated with heavy vehicle movements to and from the sight and creates fear of road transport emissions.
4. Landscape and Agriculture
Locals have complained about the changes that might occur in the landscape through the growth of energy crops, such as Miscanthus, and claimed that the buildings housing the biomass CHP generator might have a negative impact on the local landscape.
5. Economic Concerns
Conflicts between the local public and developers often escalate when the project is seen as benefiting only the developers rather than providing local benefit from a financial perspective.
6. Distrust and Disinformation
The local public often distrust the claims made by developers in their planning applications regarding the environmental and community benefits of projects. The spread of disinformation, deliberate or through misunderstanding, can result in significant opposition to biomass energy projects.
7. Understanding and Involvement
Local interest groups do not support biomass energy projects when they feel that the decisions have been made without public consultation.
Local interest groups often do not support biomass energy projects also when they do not understand the technology involved or the related environmental and community impact.
Implementations of Public Relations Strategy
A comprehensive public relations strategy must therefore be applied in order to establish effective communication and minimize public opposition:
• All stakeholders should be involved in the consultation process in order to increase accountability. • Developers should listen to the opinions and concerns of all members of the public, clarify the purpose of the projects and manage public expectations.
• They have to gain support from local leaders, opinion leaders and senior citizens.
• Development plans should be adapted in order to gain trust and rapport with the local community.
• An independent mediator should be involved to provide independent information.
RICS Rural Research Conference July
REF: http://www.rics.org/NR/rdonlyres/C6281704-0760-4FAE-A572-9D136E9018BE/0/HumphriesandKeeble.pdf
© University of Strathclyde 2009
