Abstract
Introduction: Norway's goal to significantly increase onshore wind power production requires building public trust and addressing societal concerns.
Objective: This study investigated Norwegian attitudes toward onshore wind power at national and local levels, examining the influence of socioeconomic factors, the “Anywhere-Somewhere” worldview, climate change denial, and materialism.
Methods: A representative survey of 1,029 Norwegian adults (aged 18 years and above) was conducted.
Results: Public opinion on national onshore wind power development was almost evenly divided, although negative attitudes tended to be more extreme. However, local opposition was significantly higher (60%), primarily because of concerns about environmental impacts (harm to wildlife, visual impacts, noise, and land use). Socioeconomic factors did not predict attitudes, but opposition strongly correlated with a “Somewhere” worldview; this relationship was not mediated by climate change denial or materialism.
Conclusion: Significant public opposition to onshore wind power exists in Norway, particularly within marginalized sociocultural groups.
Implications: Achieving Norway's renewable energy targets requires inclusive policies that address citizen concerns.