Wind Energy and renewable energy blog

Nimby opposition is down, and support up for all types of power plant projects according to the latest Saint Index for the US. Wind energy is the most popular energy generator among Americans if one were to be built near them. Eighty-two percent say they would support a wind energy project if one were proposed for their community.

America’s NIMBYs may be losing enthusiasm for fighting a range of development proposals with the usual worst enemy – the supermarket – fairing better in the US this year. Other forms of development also experienced drops in opposition including department stores, large shopping centers, quarries and home improvement stores.

Overall however 74 percent of adults are opposed to new development in their community. Cited reasons for opposition to a project are protecting the environment at 22% and protecting the value of a home or real estate 21%. Other reasons for opposition include fear of new traffic at 19% and protecting community character at 18%. The most active NIMBYs are age 46-55, college or post-graduate educated, have an annual household income of $75,000 to $99,000 and own their home.

In the UK Nimby numbers have increased dramatically over the last year with 24% of people opposing a planning application, up from 16% in 2007. Supermarkets have seen more nimby activity moving from -20% support in 2007 to -26%. The most objected to form of development are casinos at -80% even worse than landfill. In the more popular category, schools receive support at 43% and wind energy projects at 21% – although the latter not as popular as in the US.

The 55-66 age group are identified as the most regular objectors. Private and social housing development are the most controversial with 40% and 10% of all objections. Protection of green space and traffic are the two most cited reasons for active opposition. Overall, 23% of objections refer to a NIMBY concern of negative impact on their own private property.

More encouraging is the percentage of people believing that developers and councils ‘have too cosy a relationship’. Last year, nearly 60% believed developers were too close to politicians whereas this year less than 50% do. Most sceptical are, according to Saint, those aged 18-24, Conservative voters and the Welsh. Least sceptical are those aged 35-44 and those from the North East

Nick Keable, UK vice president of The Saint Consulting Group said “Although it is possible we may have reached the high water mark for general opposition, those that are against development are becoming more aggressively active in opposing schemes nationwide.”