al maiorino

All I Want For the Holidays is a Wind Farm Proposal Without Public Opposition

Well, close to the holiday carol. However wouldn't it be great if a wind farm proposal ushering in clean, renewable energy had little or no public opposition - often resulting in delays or even canceled projects, and a loss of revenue for communities.
All I Want For the Holidays is a Wind Farm Proposal Without Public Opposition

A recent study for Scottish Renewables found two-thirds, some 66 percent of rural Scots, support the use of onshore wind energy, and only 11 percent oppose it.  Sounds great, correct?  Not so fast, the Highland Council recently recommended an objection to the Moray Firth wind project, stating a fear that the wind farm will "dominate the horizon".  Apparently the 11 percent have a say!

Here in the US, recent headlines such as BLM rejects massive wind farm along California-Nevada border, Planned wind farm near Pretty Prairie faces opposition, and Plans for wind farm construction in Botetourt County remain on hold appeared over the course of just a few days.

And let's not forget our friends down under. Last month, MP Connie Bonaros called for a moratorium on new wind farm developments in South Australia due to ongoing health concerns and impacts on local communities. 

We urge our clients to be proactive from before day one of submitting an application for a wind farm proposal. You cannot sneak wind turbines into a community, so why not be open and aggressive in reaching residents and stakeholders with the facts, and disseminating information through various mediums to enhance the chances of approval for your project - in a timely manner.  Remember, often delays are as dangerous as cancelations of projects.  Here are a few tactics to consider:

A Project Website

Create a website just for the project to explain the process of wind energy, disseminate facts and dispel rumors.  A website is also a great way to have residents ask questions, submit letters of support, and communicate with the energy development team of experts.

Leveraging Social Media

Creating accounts with the intent of granting the community quick access to facts, graphics and answers to frequently asked questions is an efficient way to identify and engage with supporters. Additionally, social media is an easy way to keep stakeholders informed. Launching social media in a timely manner allows you the chance to control the promoted message rather than being forced to react when opposition arises. Social media is no longer just about Facebook either.  Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram are often used now to promote projects.

Hold Community Open Houses

To explain wind energy to skeptical residents will take a public education campaign, and no better place to start this than with a community open house.  An open house allows the development team to showcase the process of wind energy, showcase wind turbines with drawings and photos, and alleviate concerns by dispelling rumors and half truths that may have circulated.  It is a great way for one-on-one communication with residents and those who live nearby who may feel they are more impacted. 

A Door-to-Door Effort

For those who do not have access to the internet, door-to-door campaigning will be the most effective method of relaying project information, especially those who live near the proposed wind farm  site, and may have stronger feelings on the project.   Neighbor to neighbor communication is vital.

Utilizing Direct Mail

While social media campaigns will still reach an important audience, it is imperative to account for those that will benefit more from physical mailing. Direct mailing is cost effective when targeted to specific demographics- i.e. invitations to public hearings or open houses to supporters once they have been identified. Sending a direct mailer that corrects myths and clarifies misconceptions could sway those who have not taken a stance in your favor.  "Snail mail" may be old, but it can be very useful.

All land use is local.  Building support from the ground up is often a good way to have these projects approved in a timely and more cost-efficient manner.

 

Al Maiorino started Public Strategy Group, Inc. in 1995. His firm has developed and managed multiple corporate public affairs campaigns in a variety of industries such as gaming, cable television, retail development, auto racing, energy and residential projects. Additionally, his firm has worked on projects in twenty-six states and three countries.

 

Baterías con premio en la gran feria europea del almacenamiento de energía
El jurado de la feria ees (la gran feria europea de las baterías y los sistemas acumuladores de energía) ya ha seleccionado los productos y soluciones innovadoras que aspiran, como finalistas, al gran premio ees 2021. Independientemente de cuál o cuáles sean las candidaturas ganadoras, la sola inclusión en este exquisito grupo VIP constituye todo un éxito para las empresas. A continuación, los diez finalistas 2021 de los ees Award (ees es una de las cuatro ferias que integran el gran evento anual europeo del sector de la energía, The smarter E).