Public receptivity in China towards wind energy generators: A survey experimental approach

• Published in: Energy policy 2019-06, Vol.129, p.619-627
• Main Authors: Shen, Shiran Victoria, Cain, Bruce E., Hui, Iris
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Authoritarianism; Central government; China; Deployment; Energy; Energy industry; Energy policy; Energy transition; Externality; Generators; Housing; Information sharing; International economic organizations; Noise; Polls & surveys; Public opinion; Public receptivity; Radiation; Receptivity; Resistance; Respondents; Siting; Turbines; Wildlife; Wind energy; Wind power; Wind turbine
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.02.055

China leads the world's wind energy market, but little has been written about public receptivity towards wind energy generators in China. To fill this gap, we pursue a survey experimental approach to examine explanations for receptivity based on evidence from OECD countries as well as the importance of public knowledge in augmenting public acceptance of wind energy generators in China. We find that Chinese respondents are sensitive to siting near their residences, to cost considerations when imposed on them directly, to wildlife externalities, and to noise from turbines. Interestingly, Chinese respondents seem to be concerned about radiation, a finding unprecedented in the literature, and are less assured by scientific assurances that radiation is not a problem. Instead, the Chinese central government is best suited to address concerns about this topic. Targeted information provision to the public can improve public knowledge about aspects of wind energy of concern. Hence, the Chinese central government can promote wind energy deployment not just because it is an authoritarian government determined to get things done, but also because it can provide relevant information to reduce potential public resistance. •Urban Chinese respondents exhibit a NIMBY attitude towards wind energy generators.•Urban Chinese respondents are sensitive to direct costs and to wildlife externalities.•Urban Chinese respondents are concerned about radiation from wind turbines.•The central Chinese government rather than scientists is better suited to address concern.•Distributing relevant information about turbines to the public may boost support.