MM&EMS: Integrating mental models into energy systems models to foster social change towards support for wind power deployment
Combining environmental psychology, energy systems modelling, and collaboration with stakeholders in the wind power industry, this project takes an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to better understand both resistance and acceptance of wind energy deployment.
Resistance to wind energy is often based on expectations of the future impact of wind power deployment. The project aims to integrate stakeholder understandings of wind power impacts into energy system modelling to improve model accuracy, societal relevance and foster acceptance of wind power installations.
A mental model approach
Unlike traditional measures that capture people's attitudes and opinions about wind energy, a mental model approach examines the cognitive frameworks people use to understand the processes resulting from wind energy deployment. This approach uncovers their expectations, perceived impacts, and causal beliefs, which are crucial for understanding opposition and acceptance.
The project offers relevant input for energy system models and assesses whether stakeholder perceptions are aligned with scientific evidence, particularly concerning impacts on ecosystems and social environments. The researchers aim to develop a new methodology to identify and prioritize the critical impacts of wind power deployment using advanced tools for renewable energy resource assessment to work towards a sustainable energy transition.
This project is funded by the Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 Copernicus Early Career Research Fund 2022.
Societal relevance
This research integrates energy modeling with mental models of transitions to promote social change. Throughout the project, researchers collaborate with stakeholders to support discussions on wind energy. Work is enriched by partnerships with the and data from pilot sites, reaching hundreds of developers across Europe and insights are shared through social media, conferences like WindEurope, and international institutions such as the Climate Alliance.
In collaboration with experts on sustainable transitions, the researchers test communication strategies to enhance their impact on stakeholders and develop actionable plans to improve wind power acceptance and drive a sustainable energy transition.