In sight and in mind: social implications of marine renewable energy
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Date
08/07/2019Item status
Restricted AccessEmbargo end date
08/07/2020Author
Howell, Rhys James
Metadata
Abstract
Scotland has significant marine energy resources and is at the forefront of the research and
development of wave and tidal marine renewable energy technologies. Much of this
research has focussed on the technological challenges of marine renewable energy (MRE)
development, and accordingly there has been an important gap in understanding the social
implications of the technology. This PhD contributes important new knowledge to the
emerging field of the sociology of marine renewable energy.
Previous studies have explored the many and varied grounds on which publics might come
to support or oppose other low-carbon energy technologies, though to date there has been
limited research into whether the same range of factors also inform social responses to
MRE. This thesis presents new understanding of social responses towards MRE projects and
the social impacts MRE may have on communities.
Findings from eighteen months of ethnographic fieldwork, living, working, and coastal skiff
rowing, on a Scottish island are presented, along with the results from a series of public
dialogue workshops held in six Scottish communities. This innovative twin-track qualitative
research approach provides a rich understanding of everyday life and practice in relation to
community, environment and energy, and insight into some of the more intangible ways in
which MRE projects may affect communities.
The research shows that the strong and unique cultural and historical identity of coastal
communities, together with the economic fragility of the areas, influences how MRE, and
those promoting it, are perceived. Responses to energy projects depend on the perception
of change that will occur as a result of the project and vary significantly both within and
between communities.
The data obtained show that MRE projects that are perceived to positively benefit the local
area are welcomed, and that project developers and policy makers should focus as much on
ameliorating positive benefits to communities as mitigating negative impacts. Planning
processes that appropriately understand and negotiate these concerns are therefore
required, in order to engage with communities and maximise the potential opportunities
that MRE technologies present for marginal rural communities.