The limitations of the one-stop-shop approach: How local experiences shaped opposition to the Norwegian wind power permitting system

Abstract

As European countries seek to increase the share of renewable energy production, local opposition to energy transition processes has escalated in many places. Drawing on energy justice scholarship, this article examines how local experiences shaped opposition to the one-stop-shop approach to wind energy permitting in a Norway. This question is examined thorough an in-depth case study of a wind power licensing process in Sirdal municipality, which seemed like a favourable location for a wind farm. While confirming earlier research showing that the municipalities have an informal veto power in the licensing process, this study illuminates the shortcomings of such a non-statutory approach to municipal influence in the licensing process. In Sirdal, having an informal veto power and the ear of the licensing authority apparently worked well until the licence was granted, but the top-down licensing system and informal consultation practices proved inadequate in securing democratic legitimacy and social acceptance for wind power development over the long-term. The sale of Tonstad wind power plant to foreign investors and these owners' unwillingness to fulfil the obligations of an economic compensation agreement with the municipality exacerbated the municipality's feelings of being deceived and left powerless. The study concludes that any assessment of energy justice must not only consider the different tenets of justice but also the temporal dimension and long-term consequences for local communities.