Community Acceptance of Airborne Wind Energy

Abstract

Airborne wind energy (AWE) is an emerging renewable technology that generates electricity using tethered flying devices, such as kites. It harvests wind energy at higher altitudes than conventional wind turbines. As the technology nears commercialization, its successful deployment will depend not only on technical and economic feasibility but also on social acceptance. Understanding how communities perceive and are affected by AWE can help ensure smoother deployment, protect community well-being, and enhance contribution to renewable energy goals.

This dissertation is among the first research to systematically investigate the social dimensions of AWE, focusing on community acceptance – residents’ approval of local energy projects – and its influencing factors. The research is based on surveys conducted with residents near AWE test sites in Europe and a laboratory listening experiment to assess reactions to AWE-related sound emissions. The findings demonstrate that community acceptance of AWE projects relates to a combination of technical characteristics, subjective perceptions, and the fairness and transparency of project implementation. In line with the applied Integrated Acceptance Model (IAM), stronger perceived impacts – such as sound emissions, landscape impacts, and aviation lights – were associated with lower levels of acceptance. At the same time, fair and transparent project implementation was linked to higher acceptance. Noise annoyance emerged as a critical factor, shaped by both psychoacoustic properties (i.e., sharpness, tonality, and loudness) and individual characteristics (i.e., noise sensitivity, familiarity with AWE, and age).

While most of the results align with research on wind turbine acceptance, some key differences emerge. Unlike for wind turbines, the remaining three IAM factors – perceived local economic benefits, expected community support for the project, and general attitudes toward the energy transition – did not significantly predict acceptance in the case of AWE. This may be due to the fact that the technology is still undergoing development and is not yet commercially available or contributing to renewable energy targets. As a result, economic and social considerations that are typically relevant for commercial energy projects may not yet be salient for communities living near AWE test sites.

The findings highlight the need to incorporate social science insights into AWE development from the outset. By investing in interdisciplinary research, developing targeted mitigation strategies, engaging with local communities meaningfully, and establishing robust regulatory frameworks, the AWE sector can avoid common pitfalls faced by established renewable energy technologies. The early stage of AWE presents an opportunity to learn from these experiences and take proactive steps to ensure that the technology is developed and deployed in a way that is both technically and socially viable. By anticipating and addressing potential social challenges early on, the sector can help ensure that AWE gains public trust and contributes to a just energy transition.