The role of public participation in identifying stakeholder synergies in wind power project development: The case study of Ontario, Canada

Over the past several decades, the scope of decision-making in the public domain has changed from a focus on unilateral regulatory verdicts to a more comprehensive process that engages all stakeholders. Consequently, there has been a distinct increase in public participation in the environmental decision-making process. While the potential benefits of public engagement are substantial in terms of identifying synergies between public and industry stakeholders that encourage project development, this participation does not come without its challenges. Some of these key challenges include: a lack of technical knowledge in a case of complex technical issues; the process has become more time-consuming than may be necessary; a different perception of risk by citizens and experts; and individual differences in values, beliefs, and motivations, that may prevent the reaching of a joint consensus. To meet global energy demands and fulfill ambitious targets for greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy has received increased attention as a feasible alternative to non-renewable electrical generation. However, current literature on renewable energy, particularly on wind power energy, highlights potential technological, economic, social, or public barriers to renewable energy investment. This paper provides a case study of the Ontario, Canada wind power generation market, identifies the facilitators and constrainers that affected public input to wind project development in this Province, and finally provides guidance on improving public consultation in the wind project development decision-making process. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.