An Analysis of Offshore Wind Development: A Non-Market, Stated Preference Approach to Estimate Impact and WTP in Three Lake Michigan Regions
-
Research Team
This was a Master's Project to understand community perceptions regarding offshore wind energy development in Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois and Mason/Oceana Counties, Michigan.
Objectives:
(1) Test residents’ decision-making processes to vote ‘for’ or ‘against’ hypothetical, offshore wind farm scenarios at varying distances via a contingent valuation method (CVM) survey
(2) Analyze information sources, demographic characteristics, and opinion variables that could explain local opposition/support for current offshore wind farm development and the CVM votes
(3) Estimate the non-market value of the viewshed impact through a stated preference, willingness to pay (SP WTP)
Conclusions:
- W. Michigan: had much more solidified opinions
- Evanston: feels electricity rates, job creation and air quality would improve
- W. Michigan: similar opinions but to lesser extent
-
Evanston:
- Men more likely to oppose the CVM scenario
- ‘High’ income family very likely to support scenario
Sponsor(s)
Citizens for a Greener Evanston
Research Areas
Energy
Energy Systems