Political expectations and electoral responses to wind farm development in Sweden

• Published in: Energy policy 2024-03, Vol.186, p.113984, Article 113984
• Main Authors: Isaksson, Zeth, Gren, Simon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electoral behavior; Energy politics; Environmental politics; Political Science; Statsvetenskap; Swedish politics; Wind energy expansion
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2024.113984

Wind energy expansion has influenced electoral behavior by decreasing support for incumbents, primarily explained by not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) arguments. However, how does the establishment of wind farms shape electoral behavior when municipal politicians can veto such establishments? Analyzing Sweden, this study shows that voters respond not only by retrospectively evaluating past constructions but also by evaluating parties differently based on their expectations. Our results indicate that parties more likely to approve turbine constructions are punished more than those less expected to do so. Additionally, we find no evidence that the construction of wind turbines influences support for either Green or radical right-wing parties. In conclusion, this study show that the political repercussions of wind farm expansion are multifaceted, influenced by a combination of past actions, future expectations, and the ideological stances of political parties. •Wind turbine construction linked to decreased support for local incumbents in Sweden.•Electoral impact varies greatly among left- and right-wing parties.•Voter attitudes towards wind energy differ greatly by party support.•Wind turbine construction does not sway Green or radical right-wing party support.