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Navigating Narratives: a case study of opposition towards wind-energy expansion in Østerild, Denmark

Scherfig, Ronja Karlinsky LU (2024) HEKM51 20241
Department of Human Geography
Human Ecology
Abstract
This thesis investigates the conflict surrounding the expansion of wind-turbines at Østerild test-centre in Denmark, analysing narratives from two local groups actively opposing the expansion in relation to the state narrative proposing the test-centre expansion. Utilising an environmental governmentality lens and Foucault’s concept of counter-conduct, the study explores how local groups' opposition narrative towards the test-centre, not only challenge but also reinforce the state’s narrative legitimising the expansion embedded within an eco-modernist perspective of green growth. The thesis shows how the opposition groups rely on three narrative themes in their resistance: ‘local nature and community’, ‘democracy and wind-industry as... (More)
This thesis investigates the conflict surrounding the expansion of wind-turbines at Østerild test-centre in Denmark, analysing narratives from two local groups actively opposing the expansion in relation to the state narrative proposing the test-centre expansion. Utilising an environmental governmentality lens and Foucault’s concept of counter-conduct, the study explores how local groups' opposition narrative towards the test-centre, not only challenge but also reinforce the state’s narrative legitimising the expansion embedded within an eco-modernist perspective of green growth. The thesis shows how the opposition groups rely on three narrative themes in their resistance: ‘local nature and community’, ‘democracy and wind-industry as government power’ and the right to live in rural areas’. By analysing the opposition narratives in relation to the state narrative, a difference in scale perspective emerges; local vs. national. The local opposition groups highlight the local and place-specific perspective, conflicting with the state narrative concerning an arena dominated by national economic and technical priorities. Further, it is suggested how this local-scale perspective is difficult to encompass within institutionalised processes of citizen involvement, potentially creating further conflict and polarisation. This case study highlights the complexities in renewable energy placement where different narratives and power-relations conflict and constitute each other. Findings indicate that this might further a polarisation in the ‘green arena’. As such, the question of whether it is possible to create a governance process capable of including the local scale in the current political setting emerges. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Scherfig, Ronja Karlinsky LU
supervisor
organization
course
HEKM51 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
language
English
id
9167025
date added to LUP
2024-07-24 11:51:15
date last changed
2024-07-24 11:51:15
@misc{9167025,
  abstract     = {{This thesis investigates the conflict surrounding the expansion of wind-turbines at Østerild test-centre in Denmark, analysing narratives from two local groups actively opposing the expansion in relation to the state narrative proposing the test-centre expansion. Utilising an environmental governmentality lens and Foucault’s concept of counter-conduct, the study explores how local groups' opposition narrative towards the test-centre, not only challenge but also reinforce the state’s narrative legitimising the expansion embedded within an eco-modernist perspective of green growth. The thesis shows how the opposition groups rely on three narrative themes in their resistance: ‘local nature and community’, ‘democracy and wind-industry as government power’ and the right to live in rural areas’. By analysing the opposition narratives in relation to the state narrative, a difference in scale perspective emerges; local vs. national. The local opposition groups highlight the local and place-specific perspective, conflicting with the state narrative concerning an arena dominated by national economic and technical priorities. Further, it is suggested how this local-scale perspective is difficult to encompass within institutionalised processes of citizen involvement, potentially creating further conflict and polarisation. This case study highlights the complexities in renewable energy placement where different narratives and power-relations conflict and constitute each other. Findings indicate that this might further a polarisation in the ‘green arena’. As such, the question of whether it is possible to create a governance process capable of including the local scale in the current political setting emerges.}},
  author       = {{Scherfig, Ronja Karlinsky}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Navigating Narratives: a case study of opposition towards wind-energy expansion in Østerild, Denmark}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}