Energy Crisis-Stricken European Residents Oppose Renewables Due to Noise Concerns

Energy Crisis in 'Europe' Due to Ukraine War
Renewable Expansion Underway but Residents 'Oppose'
Noise, Landscape and Cultural Heritage Damage Cited as 'Reasons'

[Asia Economy Reporter Haeyoung Kwon] Although Europe has accelerated its renewable energy expansion policy after the Ukraine war, it is experiencing difficulties due to opposition from some residents and tourism industry workers, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 2nd (local time).

According to WSJ, within the European Union (EU), concerns are being raised that wind and solar power generation could damage the region's landscapes and cultural heritage sites, hindering the development of the tourism industry.

The EU is promoting a transition from coal power to natural gas and renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year caused a sharp rise in natural gas prices, the EU decided to increase the share of renewable energy generation from the previously planned 40% by 2030 to 45%.

Some local residents oppose renewable energy generation, arguing that it damages urban landscapes and causes noise. Mr. Martin, who lives in Galicia in northwestern Spain where the local government approved the establishment of a wind power complex despite residents' opposition, said, "No one will be able to live near the wind power complex," adding, "My business and way of life will all disappear." This is because wind turbines are said to ruin the natural scenery and produce noise.

From the perspective of cultural heritage preservation and the tourism industry, views on renewable energy generation are also unfavorable. Officials responsible for cultural heritage preservation within Italy's Ministry of Culture have continuously demanded the establishment of restrictions on renewable energy to protect landscapes registered as protected assets under the constitution. This is due to concerns that renewable energy generation could damage the beauty of ancient artifacts and natural scenery.

On the other hand, in the manufacturing sector, which is facing a sharp increase in cost burdens due to soaring energy prices after the Ukraine war, demand for renewable energy has significantly increased. WSJ pointed out that the interests of the tourism and manufacturing industries are conflicting.

In fact, in Europe, including France, Germany, and Spain, factories that form the backbone of local economies and employ tens of thousands have closed due to the impact of soaring energy prices. Many factories have been pushed to the brink of closure, raising concerns that this will disrupt the supply chains of automobile manufacturers, aerospace companies, and other large corporations. The European Commission (EC) expects that factory production setbacks will shrink the EU's growth rate.

In particular, energy-intensive industries such as chemicals and aluminum have rapidly emerged as proponents of renewable energy generation. These companies are struggling to sign long-term contracts with renewable energy producers that can supply electricity at reasonable prices and protect them from fluctuations in natural gas prices.

Jose Antonio Zan, who works at the Alcoa plant in San Ciprian, Spain, said, "If the wind power plant does not get approval, there will be problems," adding, "Spain has neither oil nor gas. We only have wind, and we must use the wind."

Governments in Europe, including France, Germany, and Spain, have been passing laws to prioritize the public interest and remove obstacles that delay investments in wind and solar power generation. They are especially trying to weaken the power of interest groups that seek to delay or derail projects. Italian lawmaker Silvia Pregolent said, "The Ukraine war has made renewable energy development a key task for our country," but added, "There are still many voices of opposition."

WSJ stated, "A battle between the tourism industry and manufacturing for future power has erupted in Europe," and "The Ukraine war has accelerated Europe's transition to renewable energy, but opposition voices are also growing."