The NIMBY effect towards wind energy instalments in Romania-myth or reality?

In the past two decades wind energy has become one of the main sources of renewable energy used globally. With the expanding installments of wind turbines and wind parks, several issues have become apparent, especially in terms of closing in to human habitats, but also in terms of damages to the landscape, flora, fauna and other such issues. As more wind turbines are placed in order to achieve the global standards of renewable energy until 2020 and 2030 deadlines, a main issue of the NIMBY effect has also emerged, causing additional pressure on wind energy producers regarding placement, design, height and other elements of the wind turbines. The present study presents current public perceptions of Romanian residents on different placements of wind turbines, as the public becomes more aware of the new type of installments taking place today. Through the Delphi method based on interviews and questionnaires the study reveals current public perceptions and potential perspectives of the NIMBY effect in Romania. A main finding is that most respondents opposed placements of wind turbines in locations, such as residential areas, although wind turbines in Romania are generally placed in remote areas. This result reveals a public perception and consciousness regarding the protection of the human habitats against potential technological sources of discomfort, although renewable energy was perceived as a matter of interest for most participants. The relevance of the study lies in the novelty of the matter, as few studies have referred to NIMBY effects in Romania previously.