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Incorporating public perception of Renewable Energy Landscapes in local spatial planning tools: A case study in Mediterranean countries.

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Title: Incorporating public perception of Renewable Energy Landscapes in local spatial planning tools: A case study in Mediterranean countries.
Authors: Codemo, Anna1 (AUTHOR) anna.codemo@unitn.it, Ghislanzoni, Michela2 (AUTHOR) mg@territoria.es, Prados, María-José3 (AUTHOR) mjprados@us.es, Albatici, Rossano1 (AUTHOR) rossano.albatici@unitn.it
Source: Applied Geography. Sep2024, Vol. 170, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Clean energy, Solar power plants, Renewable energy sources, Landscape assessment, Energy infrastructure
Abstract: The European energy transition requirements have been posing many questions on the deployment of renewable energy sources. The development of renewable energy infrastructures entails landscape transformations affecting the perceived landscape quality and local acceptance. Sustainable energy spatial planning considers environmental, cultural, ecological needs but often neglect community perception of landscape transformations including both the physical landscape structures and the meanings associated to them. To address this issue, the paper aims to explore public perception and incorporate it in the planning tools. The research draws on a survey of residents of Arcos de la Frontera, Spain, conducted with the visual Q methodology, and on structured interviews with local experts. A selection of 36 different photovoltaic applications in urban and rural areas was evaluated by 21 citizens. The analysis identified four distinct viewpoints on photovoltaic applications in urban and rural landscapes. Local experts provided feedback on the current local spatial planning tools and on their consideration of landscape transformations. Considering both citizens and experts, we provided landscape integration strategies linked to siting and landscape design of solar power plants to be included in urban planning tools. • Landscape considerations are important aspects to be included in spatial energy planning. • Visual Q methodology enhances understanding of types of installation preferences. • Photovoltaic installations are preferred in roofs rather than on ground. • Site suitability and innovative design ameliorate public concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:The European energy transition requirements have been posing many questions on the deployment of renewable energy sources. The development of renewable energy infrastructures entails landscape transformations affecting the perceived landscape quality and local acceptance. Sustainable energy spatial planning considers environmental, cultural, ecological needs but often neglect community perception of landscape transformations including both the physical landscape structures and the meanings associated to them. To address this issue, the paper aims to explore public perception and incorporate it in the planning tools. The research draws on a survey of residents of Arcos de la Frontera, Spain, conducted with the visual Q methodology, and on structured interviews with local experts. A selection of 36 different photovoltaic applications in urban and rural areas was evaluated by 21 citizens. The analysis identified four distinct viewpoints on photovoltaic applications in urban and rural landscapes. Local experts provided feedback on the current local spatial planning tools and on their consideration of landscape transformations. Considering both citizens and experts, we provided landscape integration strategies linked to siting and landscape design of solar power plants to be included in urban planning tools. • Landscape considerations are important aspects to be included in spatial energy planning. • Visual Q methodology enhances understanding of types of installation preferences. • Photovoltaic installations are preferred in roofs rather than on ground. • Site suitability and innovative design ameliorate public concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:01436228
DOI:10.1016/j.apgeog.2024.103358