THE PERCEPTION OF THE WIND- TURBINE PARK OFF THE COAST OF EGMOND

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1 Research carried out by Intomart GfK bv in Hilversum on the instructions of NoordzeeWind Amsterdam Hilversum, November P-YV/JB THE PERCEPTION OF THE WIND- TURBINE PARK OFF THE COAST OF EGMOND ZERO-MEASUREMENT Zero Measurement 1/50

2 Copyrights reserved No part of this report may be reproduced and/or published by means of print, photocopy, digital processing or otherwise without prior written permission from the aforementioned bodies Zero Measurement 2/50

3 CONTENT Page SUMMARY 4 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION Background and objective Design of the study Design of the study - residents Design of the study - businesses Design of the study - Dutch holidaymakers Design of the study - German holidaymakers Questionnaire Report 15 CHAPTER 2. ATTITUDES REGARDING WIND ENERGY AND WIND- TURBINE PARKS Introduction Experience of the beach and the sea Attitude regarding wind energy Attitude regarding a sea-based wind-turbine park 20 CHAPTER 3. OPINION ON THE WIND-TURBINE PARK Introduction Opinion on visualisations General opinion on the wind-turbine park Prerequisites 41 CHAPTER 4. INFORMATION PROVISION Introduction Existing information Information need Zero Measurement 3/50

4 SUMMARY Zero Measurement 4/50

5 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Introduction On the instructions of NoordzeeWind, Intomart GfK carried out a zero measurement under groups of stakeholders that are in some way involved with the wind-turbine park that is to be constructed off the coast of Egmond aan Zee during The interviews were held by means of the Internet with: Residents of the coastal towns; Businesses in the coastal towns; Dutch holidaymakers; German holidaymakers. The purpose of the zero measurement is to record the perception of the pending windturbine park in the context of experiences and perceptions of the sea, the beach, and wind energy. Subsequent studies during and after the construction will provide an indication of whether the experience and perception of the wind-turbine park s presence has changed or not. The following paragraphs describe the most important results of the zero measurement. The study is more or less a follow-up of the study from 1999 that was carried out as part of an environmental impact study for a sea-based wind-turbine park. Attitudes regarding wind energy and wind-turbine parks The study showed that every study group had an extremely positive experience of the sea and the beach. The view, the calming influence, and the feeling infinity produced by the sea are important factors in this experience. The same positive experience applied to wind energy - wind energy is clean, important for the future, and an infinite source. A large majority of the studied groups also believed that the Netherlands should make more use of wind energy. German holidaymakers had a different view in terms of increased use of wind energy in the Netherlands, as four in ten German holidaymakers believed it should not. A sea-based wind-turbine park is supported by approximately two thirds of all Dutch groups of stakeholders and half of the German holidaymakers. They believed the sea to be a good place to construct a wind-turbine park. The sea offers more space and you do not notice the sound of the turbines. The main caveats of the opponents are the visibility and the adverse effects on nature. Generally, the German holidaymakers were less enamoured with a sea-based wind-turbine park. They were particularly sensitive to possible adverse effects on the natural elements of the sea. However, a majority of approximately seven in ten of all respondents believed that a visible wind-turbine park would affect their experience of the sea and the beach. And this has Zero Measurement 5/50

6 consequences, albeit it to a minor extent. About four in ten Dutch respondents believed that residing in a coastal town would become less attractive; approximately three in ten Dutch respondents said they would visit the beach less often and about one in ten did not like to see a wind-turbine park. In general, German holidaymakers were more negative than the Dutch respondents were. To them, the visibility of a wind-turbine park is definitely not attractive. Nevertheless, approximately half of the Dutch respondents believed that you get used to such a wind-turbine park. This is definitely not the case for the German holidaymakers, as only three in ten respondents in this group believed you get used to it. Opinion on the wind-turbine park In order to be able to appraise the wind-turbine park, photos were used to represent the actual visibility of the park as much as possible. These photos represent the wind-turbine park in good and bad weather conditions and from two angles, which make the position of the wind turbines look different. On all the photographs with good weather conditions, the respondents believed the windturbine park to be clearly visible. Generally, the Dutch groups of stakeholders found the wind-turbine park in photos looking straight at the park more disruptive than in photos taken from an angle. The wind-turbine park in the photographs with less good weather they generally found to be less disruptive. German holidaymakers found they could see the wind-turbine park more clearly in the photographs and found them more disruptive. A film was shown with the lighting of the wind-turbine park at night. About half of the Dutch respondents found the lighting of the park hardly or not disruptive, whereas this only applied to one third of the German holidaymakers. The general opinion of the wind-turbine park in the photographs was that approximately half of the Dutch respondents and nearly 70 percent of the German holidaymakers found the wind-turbine park very disruptive. The main reason quoted was that the view of the sea was restricted and that it spoilt the horizon. The general opinion of the wind-turbine park on the photographs is therefore more negative than positive. The German holidaymakers were predominantly negative. On the distance between the wind-turbine park to the beach, the size of the wind-turbine park and the attractiveness of the wind-turbine park, the opinions ranged from divided to negative, with the German holidaymakers again the most negative. The respondents expected that the presence of the wind-turbine park would have some influence on their beach visits - about a quarter of the residents, one in three Dutch holidaymakers and Zero Measurement 6/50

7 approximately half of the German holidaymakers said they would visit the beach less often, hardly ever or never. The responses to the question which prerequisites would make a wind-turbine park acceptable showed the strong influence of its visibility. Less visible is the prerequisite mentioned most often. Information provision More than half of the residents and by and large most businesses were aware of the construction of the wind-turbine park before the study. The main sources of information were local newspapers, and radio and television. About half of the Dutch respondents were very interested in the developments concerning the wind-turbine park. Up to now, most Dutch respondents came across the information accidentally and a small part went to look for information about the wind-turbine park. More than half was not yet sufficiently aware and would like to know more about the location, the construction, and the capacity of the wind-turbine park in particular. The newspaper, a website and to a lesser extent a leaflet or brochure were considered the best media. Conclusion Virtually all the respondents were in favour of developing wind energy and preferably at sea, because there is more space than on land and because the wind turbines create less noise. Generally, the respondents were against a wind-turbine park that is close to the coast and that is visible. This affects their experience of the sea and the beach. The wind-turbine park may have a negative influence on beach visits and particularly on the visits from German holidaymakers. The wind-turbine park would be more acceptable if it provided cheap energy for the coastal residents and if it were the only option to study whether sea-based wind-turbine parks are possible Zero Measurement 7/50

8 CHAPTER 1 Introduction Zero Measurement 8/50

9 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background and objective On the instructions of NoordzeeWind, Intomart GfK Bv carried out an online study of groups of stakeholders that are in some way involved with the wind-turbine park that is to be constructed off the coast of Egmond aan Zee in This study forms part of the obligations NoordzeeWind has in relation to the construction of the wind-turbine park, namely monitoring the perception of the wind-turbine park by the relevant groups of stakeholders, which are Residents of coastal towns; Tourist-dependent businesses in coastal towns; Dutch holidaymakers; German holidaymakers. The objective of the study is to monitor the perception of the preparations for the construction, the construction itself, and the product of the construction. The wind-turbine park to be constructed will be visible from the coast to a certain extent and that may influence the perception, experience, and behaviour of the groups of stakeholders. 1.2 Design of the study The study will consist of four measurements: 1. a T0 measurement in October 2005; 2. a T1 measurement in May 2006 during the construction; 3. a T2 measurement in the first operational year following the construction (2007); 4. a T3 measurement in the second operational year following the construction (2008). By using largely the same measuring instrument, it is possible to follow the development of the perception and the opinion forming in relation to the wind-turbine park. This report contains the report of the zero measurement of October Design of the study - residents Study method The study of the residents was carried out by means of online interviews. The respondents were approached via Zero Measurement 9/50

10 Sample and response The gross sample of 724 people was taken from Intomart GfK s Online Panel. For this study, respondents were selected who were 18 years or older and who resided in one of the coastal towns of Beverwijk, Heemskerk, Castricum, Bergen or Velsen. Of the 724 approached respondents, 451 completed the questionnaire in full. This made the response 62 percent. Fieldwork The fieldwork for this study was carried out during the period from 19 September up to and including 26 September Composition of the sample The following table divides the net sample on the basis of some background characteristics. Table 1.2.1: Composition sample residents Abs. n=451 % Gender Male % Female % Age years % years % 50 years and older % Education Low 40 9% Middle % High % Residing in the town of Velsen % Beverwijk % Heemskerk 91 20% Castricum 59 13% Bergen 36 8% Zijpe 22 5% Number of years resided in the town 0 to 5 years 86 20% 6 to 10 years 50 12% 11 to 30 years % More than 30 years % Zero Measurement 10/50

11 1.2.2 Design of the study - businesses Study method The study of the businesses was carried out by means of online interviews. The respondents were approached by letter with the request to complete the questionnaire on the Internet. Sample and response The gross sample, consisting of 2331 addresses, was taken from an online business database. The businesses for this study were selected from branches, see table 1.2.2, relevant to the study, based in one of the coastal towns of Beverwijk, Heemskerk, Castricum, Bergen or Velsen. Of the 2331 available addresses, 95 addresses appeared to be incorrect. Of the remaining 2236 respondents approached, 202 people completed the questionnaire in full, which made the response 9 percent. This percentage is not unusually low for studies of respondents that have not been screened and that are not used to completing questionnaires on the Internet. Fieldwork The fieldwork for this study was carried out during the period from 15 September up to and including 10 October Composition of sample In the following table, the net sample is divided on the basis of some background characteristics Zero Measurement 11/50

12 Table 1.2.2: Composition of sample businesses Abs. n=202 % Sector Retail 65 32% Personal care 43 21% Camping, summer home rental 25 12% Hotel (restaurant) 19 9% Restaurant 18 9% Bar/Café 11 5% Culture, sport and leisure 11 5% Rental company for bicycles, boats, etc. 4 2% Snackbar/cafeteria 6 3% Number of employees 1 person 79 39% 2 to 4 people 83 41% 5 to 9 people 27 13% 10 to 19 people 9 5% 20 to 49 people 4 2% Located in the town of Velsen 33 16% Beverwijk 26 13% Heemskerk 19 9% Castricum 34 17% Bergen 79 39% Zijpe 11 5% Number of years located in the town 0 to 5 years 59 29% 6 to 10 years 30 15% 11 to 30 years 62 31% More than 30 years 51 25% Dependency on tourism High 70 35% To some extent 53 26% Not 79 39% Design of the study Dutch holidaymakers Study method The study of the Dutch holidaymakers was carried out by means of online interviews. The respondents were approached via Zero Measurement 12/50

13 Screening, sample, and response Prior to the fieldwork for the study, all members of Intomart GfK s Online Panel were screened. During the screening, a number of questions were asked about the respondents beach visits during the past year. On the basis of this screening, a gross sample of 703 people was taken who met the following conditions. During the past year they visited one of the Noord-Hollandse beaches twice or more often, they were 18 years or older and did not reside in the coastal towns of Beverwijk, Heemskerk, Castricum, Bergen or Velsen. Of the 703 respondents approached, 450 completed the questionnaire in full. This made the response 64 percent. Fieldwork The fieldwork for this study was carried out during the period from 23 September up to and including 26 September Composition of sample The following table divides the net sample on the basis of some background characteristics. Table 1.2.3: Composition of sample Dutch holidaymakers Abs. n=450 % Gender Male % Female % Age years % years % 50 years and older % Education Low % Middle % High % Beaches visited in 2005 Wijk aan Zee % Castricum % Egmond aan Zee % Bergen aan Zee % Schoorl % Petten 64 14% Zero Measurement 13/50

14 1.2.4 Design of the study German holidaymakers Study method The study of German holidaymakers was carried out by means of online interviews. The respondents were approached via . Recruitment, sample, and response On Friday 26 August and Saturday 27 August, prior to the fieldwork for the study, the respondents for the study were recruited on and near the beaches of Wijk aan Zee, Castricum, and Egmond aan Zee. They were holidaymakers of German nationality of 18 years or older with an address. Eventually 262 German holidaymakers indicated their willingness to co-operate with the study. Of the gross sample of 262 addresses, 30 addresses appeared to be incorrect. Of the remaining 232 respondents that were approached, 95 people completed the questionnaire in full. This made the response 41 percent. Fieldwork The fieldwork for this study was carried out during the period from 28 September up to and including 20 October Composition of sample The following table divides the net sample on the basis of some background characteristics Zero Measurement 14/50

15 Table 1.2.4: Composition of sample German holidaymakers Abs. n=95 % Gender Male 61 64% Female 34 36% Age years 28 35% years 92 41% 50 years and older 76 22% Education Low 15 16% Middle 31 33% High 49 52% Visiting frequency to Dutch beaches This was the 1 st visit 10 11% Less than once a year 15 16% About once a year 19 20% About twice a year 35 37% More than twice a year 16 17% 1.3 Questionnaire In close consultation with the client, the issues were incorporated in separate questionnaires for each study group. For the larger part, the four questionnaires agreed and contained the following issues: The experience of the sea The attitude regarding green energy, and wind energy in particular; The opinion on the wind-turbine park to be constructed. The opinion was mainly measured by means of visualisations that show the sea-based wind-turbine park under a number of different conditions day, night, bad weather, good weather and from two angles Information provision about the wind-turbine park. 1.4 Report This report contains the outcomes of the zero measurement and as such serves as the basis for the comparison with the following measurements. The following chapters deal with the attitudes in relation to wind energy and wind-turbine parks, the opinion on the wind-turbine park through visualisations, and the information provision about the wind-turbine parks Zero Measurement 15/50

16 CHAPTER 2 Attitudes regarding wind energy and wind-turbine parks Zero Measurement 16/50

17 2. ATTITUDES REGARDING WIND ENERGY AND WIND-TURBINE PARKS 2.1 Introduction This chapter deals with the perception of relevant factors and the attitudes of the different study groups in relation to wind energy and wind-turbine parks in general. 2.2 Experience of beach and sea The respondents were given some statements about the sea and the beach. Table 2.1 represents which part of the respondents agreed or agreed a little with the statements. Table 2.1: Statements about the beach - % agree or agree a little Residents Businesses Dutch holidaymak ers German holidaymak ers Seeing the sun set into the sea is a fantastic sight 98% 99% 97% 99% The sea and the beach must not be affected 97% 82% 98% 97% The sea and the beach are very calming 92% 94% 94% 97% Looking at the sea gives me a feeling of infinity 87% 91% 93% 89% The sea and the beach are one of the few places of pure nature 76% 80% 76% 85% Nearly all respondents believed that it is a fantastic sight to see the sun set into the sea. Nearly all residents, Dutch and German holidaymakers believed that the sea and the beach should not be affected; businesses held this opinion less often (82% agree). Furthermore, almost everyone considered the sea and the beach to be very calming and said that looking at the sea provided a feeling of infinity. About three quarters of the residents, business and Dutch holidaymakers believed that the sea and the beach were one of the few places of pure nature, whilst the German holidaymakers agreed even more often Zero Measurement 17/50

18 2.3 Attitude regarding wind energy As energy sources, such as gas and oil, are finite, the Netherlands pays much attention to sustainable forms of energy, such as solar energy, hydro-electricity and wind energy. Wind energy is an important option and the government has set itself the objective to promote wind energy. After this explanation, the respondents were given a number of statements about wind energy. The following table represents the statements that relate to wind energy in general. Table 2.3 deals with the statements that specifically concern the application of wind energy in the Netherlands. Table 2.2: Statements about wind energy in general - % agree or agree a little Residents Businesses Dutch holidaymak ers German holidaymak ers Wind energy is clean energy 93% 89% 92% 85% Wind energy is important for the future 90% 79% 89% 83% Wind energy is an infinite source of energy 88% 88% 87% 86% Wind energy is expensive energy 44% 48% 48% 39% Generally, the respondents had a positive attitude in relation to wind energy the large majority of all study groups believed that wind energy is clean energy, that it is important for the future, and that it is an infinite source of energy. Slightly less than half believed that wind energy is expensive energy Zero Measurement 18/50

19 Table 2.3: Statements about the application of wind energy in the Netherlands - % agree or agree a little Residents Businesses Dutch holidaymak ers German holidaymak ers The Netherlands should make more use of wind energy 78% 64% 78% 43% Wind energy should be applied on a large scale in the Netherlands The development of wind energy is of very important for Dutch industry The Netherlands is too small for the large-scale application of wind energy For the Netherlands, wind energy is the only realistic option of generating sustainable energy 68% 53% 71% 38% 60% 55% 68% 28% 42% 50% 39% 19% 39% 29% 46% 19% When it comes to the application of wind energy in the Netherlands, there are considerably more differences between the study groups. The residents and the Dutch holidaymakers were mostly positive the large majority believed that the Netherlands should make more use of wind energy, that wind energy should be applied in the Netherlands on a large scale, and that the development of wind energy is very important to Dutch industry. A minority believed that the Netherlands is too small for the large-scale application of wind energy. Four in ten residents and nearly half of the Dutch holidaymakers believed that wind energy is the only realistic option for generating sustainable energy in the Netherlands. Businesses had less positive thoughts on the application of wind energy in the Netherlands. The share of businesses that believed that the Netherlands should make more use of wind energy (64%) and that wind energy should be applied on a large scale in the Netherlands (53%) was lower than for the residents (78% and 68%, respectively) and for Dutch holidaymakers (78% and 71%, respectively). The German holidaymakers were most negative in relative terms, as only two fifths believed that the Netherlands should make more use of wind energy (43%) and that wind energy should be applied on a large scale in the Netherlands (38%). Fewer than three in ten of German holidaymakers believed that the development of wind energy was very important to Dutch industry. However, it is significant that German holidaymakers believed less often than the other study groups that the Netherlands is too small for the large-scale application of wind energy Zero Measurement 19/50

20 2.4 Attitude regarding a sea-based wind-turbine park As you know, wind energy is generated by wind turbines. Wind turbines stand alone, in a small group, or in a so-called wind-turbine park, where many wind turbines are grouped together. On land there is often not enough space to construct a wind-turbine park. Therefore, it is under consideration to construct wind-turbine parks in the sea, because there is more space and more wind. After this explanation, the respondents were asked whether they thought the sea was a good location to construct wind-turbine parks. Figure 2.1: Is the sea a good location to construct wind-turbine parks? Yes No Don't know Residents 66% 22% 12% Businesses 65% 26% 9% Dutch holidaymakers 62% 26% 12% German holidaymakers 54% 33% 14% 0% 100% A majority of all study groups believed that the sea is a good location to construct windturbine parks. However the share of German holidaymakers that responded positively is lower (54%) than residents (66%), businesses (65%), and Dutch holidaymakers (62%) Zero Measurement 20/50

21 When the respondent indicated that the sea is not a good location to construct wind-turbine parks, the reasons why were asked. Figure 2.2: Why is the sea not a good location to construct wind-turbine parks? A sea-based wind-turbine park is too visible 65% 65% 83% 84% A sea-based wind-turbine park damages nature at sea 60% 69% 66% 71% A sea-based wind-turbine park obstructs birds 35% 45% 48% 61% A sea-based wind-turbine park is too expensive A sea-based wind-turbine park impedes shipping 14% 21% 19% 17% 32% 36% 36% 52% Residents (n=100) Businesses (n=52) Dutch holidaymakers (n=118) German holidaymakers (n=31) 0% 100% The reason quoted most often is that a sea-based wind-turbine park is too visible; this argument was put forward by the businesses and the German holidaymakers in particular. A majority of all study groups also believed that a wind-turbine park would damage nature at sea. And in conjunction, a considerable part of the respondents, Germany holidaymakers in particular, believed that sea birds would be obstructed by a wind-turbine park. The argument that a sea-based wind-turbine park is too expensive was mainly put forward by businesses Zero Measurement 21/50

22 Subsequently all respondents were presented with a number of statements about sea-based wind-turbine parks. Table 2.4: Statements about sea-based wind-turbine parks - % agree or agree a little Residents Businesses Dutch holidaymak ers German holidaymak ers Inhabitants experience less nuisance from a sea-based than a land-based wind-turbine park On the mainland of the Netherlands, there is much less space for a wind-turbine park than at sea With a sea-based wind-turbine park, you are not bothered by the noise made by the wind turbines It is good that the government subsidises sea-based wind-turbine parks By constructing a sea-based wind-turbine park, the Netherlands gains a technological advantage over other countries A sea-based wind-turbine park affects nature at sea in an unacceptable manner 73% 72% 72% 54% 72% 77% 68% 60% 71% 69% 69% 45% 59% 53% 58% 36% 55% 50% 62% 47% 43% 40% 43% 52% A sea-based wind-turbine park impedes shipping 30% 25% 28% 36% The construction of a sea-based wind-turbine park hardly disrupts the sea currents 25% 30% 31% 21% A sea-based wind-turbine park is not a problem for birds 24% 19% 28% 13% A sea-based wind-turbine park is economically not viable 13% 19% 13% 15% The construction of a sea-based wind-turbine park is not expensive 8% 8% 16% 5% The residents, businesses, and Dutch holidaymakers were very similar in terms of their attitudes towards a sea-based wind-turbine park. All these groups preferred a sea-based wind-turbine park to a land-based one. A large majority believed that a sea-based windturbine park produces less nuisance for inhabitants, that there is less space on the mainland of the Netherlands, and that a sea-based wind-turbine park means you are not bothered by the noise of the wind turbines Zero Measurement 22/50

23 More than half of the residents, businesses, and Dutch holidaymakers believed that it is good that the government subsidises sea-based wind-turbine parks and believed that the Netherlands gains a technological advantage over other countries by constructing a seabased wind-turbine park. They were less positive on the possible consequences of a sea-based wind-turbine park. About four in ten residents, businesses, and Dutch holidaymakers believed that a windturbine park will affect nature at sea in an unacceptable manner and more than a quarter believed that a sea-based wind-turbine park would impede shipping. Only a minority believed that constructing a wind-turbine park means hardly any disruption to the currents and that a sea-based wind-turbine park is not a problem for birds. Only a small number of residents (13%), businesses (19%), and Dutch holidaymakers (13%) thought that a sea-based wind-turbine park is economically not viable, and only a small part believed that a sea-based wind-turbine park is not expensive eight percent of both the residents and the businesses believed this, whilst this percentage was higher for the Dutch holidaymakers (16%). The German holidaymakers were considerably more negative than the other study groups on a number of points. Only slightly more than half of the German holidaymakers believed that a sea-based wind-turbine park compared with a land-based wind-turbine park produces less nuisance for the inhabitants (54%); of the other groups nearly three quarters held this opinion. Furthermore, less than half of the German holidaymakers believed that a sea-based wind-turbine park means you are not affected by the noise made by the wind turbines (45%); for the residents, businesses, and Dutch holidaymakers this figure was around 70 percent. Only a third of German holidaymakers believed it is good that the government subsidises sea-based wind-turbine parks (36%), whilst in the other groups a majority held this opinion. Finally, it is remarkable that more than half of the German holidaymakers believed that a wind-turbine park would affect nature at sea in an unacceptable way (52%), whilst in the other groups four in ten people had this opinion Zero Measurement 23/50

24 As there is not enough space on land for large wind-turbine parks, the government wants to gain experience with a sea-based wind-turbine park. In order to contribute to the development of wind at sea, Nuon and Shell together will build a pilot park with 36 turbines at 10 kilometres off the coast of Egmond. Depending on the weather, this park will be visible regularly from the beach and the dunes. A number of statements were presented on this topic. Table 2.5: Statements about the visibility of a sea-based wind-turbine park - % agree or agree a little Residents Businesses Dutch holidaymak ers German holidaymak ers A visible sea-based wind-turbine park affects my experience of the sea and the beach 68% 67% 70% 68% You get used to a visible sea-based wind-turbine park 58% 54% 54% 34% When I m on the beach I m not bothered by a visible windturbine park I have no problems with a visible sea-based wind-turbine park, because it is necessary to solve the energy problem of the Netherlands A visible sea-based wind-turbine park makes it less attractive to live in a coastal town If there is a visible wind-turbine park off the beach, I will visit that beach less often 49% 49% 47% 25% 47% 42% 48% 40% 44% 45% 57% 64% 26% 23% 40% 46% I like looking at a wind-turbine park when I m on the beach 14% 12% 20% 3% A visible wind-turbine park attracts more tourists 12% 12% 20% 5% The attitudes of the residents and the businesses were virtually the same in relation to a visible sea-based wind-turbine park. Around two thirds of both study groups believed that a visible sea-based wind-turbine park affects the experience of the sea and the beach and almost half believed that a visible sea-based wind-turbine park makes living in a coastal town less attractive. However, more than half thought that you will get used to a visible sea-based wind-turbine park and about half said that when they are on the beach they are not bothered by a visible wind-turbine park. More than four in ten residents and businesses said not to have any problems with a visible wind-turbine park, because it is important to solve the energy problem of the Netherlands. Approximately one in four residents and businesses would visit a beach with a visible wind-turbine park less often Zero Measurement 24/50

25 Only a small part liked a visible wind-turbine park from the beach; similarly, the respondents did not expect a visible wind-turbine park to attract more tourists. The attitude of the Dutch holidaymakers was largely in line with the above. However, a larger part of this group (57%) believed that a visible sea-based wind-turbine park makes it less attractive to live in a coastal town. It was also significant that the Dutch holidaymakers indicated relatively often that they would visit a beach with a visible wind-turbine park less often (40%), whilst on the other hand they indicated more often than residents and businesses that they would like to see a wind-turbine park from the beach. An aboveaverage percentage of this group held the opinion that a visible wind-turbine park would attract more tourists. The German holidaymakers were clearly much less positive about a visible wind-turbine park. Only one third believed that you get used to a visible sea-based wind-turbine park, and no more than one in four German holidaymakers said not to be bothered by a visible windturbine park whilst on the beach. Almost two thirds believed that a visible wind-turbine park makes living in a coastal town less attractive and nearly half indicated they would visit a beach with a visible wind-turbine park less often. There were hardly any German holidaymakers who like to see a wind-turbine park from the beach (3%) or who believed that a visible wind-turbine park would attract more tourists (5%) Zero Measurement 25/50

26 CHAPTER 3 Opinion on the wind-turbine park Zero Measurement 26/50

27 3. OPINION ON THE WIND-TURBINE PARK 3.1 Introduction Chapter 3 deals with the study groups opinion on the wind-turbine park, as it will be constructed off the coast of Egmond. Paragraph 3.2 describes the respondents reactions to the visualisations of this wind-turbine park, whilst paragraph 3.3 deals with the more general opinions on the wind-turbine park. Finally, paragraph 3.4 deals with the question whether there are prerequisites that would make a wind-turbine park more acceptable and/or attractive. 3.2 Opinion on visualisations Before showing the visualisations of the sea-based wind-turbine park, the respondents were asked if they had an idea of what a wind-turbine park 10 kilometres off the beach would look like. Figure 3.1: Do you have an idea of what a wind-turbine park 10 kilometres of the beach would look like? Yes No Don't know Residents 36% 64% Businesses 54% 40% 6% Dutch holidaymakers 25% 75% German holidaymakers 32% 59% 10% 0% 100% More than half of the businesses indicated they had an idea of what a wind-turbine park 10 kilometres of the beach would look like (54%), whilst for the other groups this percentage was considerably lower. The Dutch holidaymakers in particular did not have any idea (75%) Zero Measurement 27/50

28 Then the respondents were shown the following two photographs. The first is a photograph of the sea without the wind-turbine park. The second is the sea from the same place, but this time with the wind-turbine park. The information is given that both photographs have been taken in good weather. Photograph 1: Sea without the wind-turbine park Photograph 2: Sea with the wind-turbine park The respondents were asked to say what they thought of the visibility of the wind-turbine park in the second photograph and to what extent they found the wind-turbine park disruptive Zero Measurement 28/50

29 Figure 3.2: To what extent is the wind-turbine park visible in the photograph? (very) visible somewhat visible hardly to not visible Residents 80% 16% 4% Businesses 81% 16% 3% Dutch holidaymakers 74% 21% 6% German holidaymakers 83% 16% 1% 0% 100% About four fifths of the residents, the businesses, and the German holidaymakers said that the wind-turbine park was visible or very visible on the photograph (80%, 81%, and 83%, respectively). For the Dutch holidaymakers this percentage was lower (74%); they indicated more often than the other groups that the wind-turbine park is fairly visible (21%). Figure 3.3: To what extent is the wind-turbine park in the photograph disruptive? (very) Disruptive Somewhat disruptive Hardly to not disruptive Residents 39% 27% 35% Businesses 45% 27% 28% Dutch holidaymakers 37% 24% 39% German holidaymakers 58% 21% 21% 0% 100% When it concerns the degree to which the respondents found the wind-turbine park in the photograph disruptive, the majority of the German holidaymakers indicated it to be disruptive or very disruptive (58%). For the other groups, this percentage was considerably lower. The residents and the Dutch holidaymakers indicated relatively often that they found the wind Zero Measurement 29/50

30 turbine park in the photograph not or not very disruptive (35% en 39%, respectively). Then the respondents were shown the following photograph. Again this is a photograph of the sea with the wind-turbine park in good weather, but taken from a different angle. Photograph 3: Sea with wind-turbine park taken from a different angle In relation to this photograph the respondents were again asked to what extent they found the wind-turbine park disruptive. Figure 3.4: To what extent is the wind-turbine park on the photograph taken from a different angle disruptive? (very) Disruptive Somewhat disruptive Hardly to not disruptive Residents 30% 26% 45% Businesses 40% 27% 33% Dutch holidaymakers 31% 21% 48% German holidaymakers 57% 17% 26% 0% 100% In relation to the photograph from a different angle, again more than half of the German holidaymakers indicated to find the wind-turbine park disruptive or very disruptive (57%) Zero Measurement 30/50

31 The other groups judged this photograph more positively than the previous one nearly half of the residents and holidaymakers indicated they found the wind-turbine park hardly or not disruptive (45% and 48%, respectively). Finally, two photographs were shown with the wind-turbine park in less good weather. Photograph 4: Sea with wind-turbine park in less good weather Photograph 5: Sea with wind-turbine park in less good weather from a different angle The respondents were asked if they found the wind-turbine park in the photographs with less good weather more or less disruptive than in the photographs with good weather. In the interest of a clear overview, the category don t know has not been included in the figure, so as a result the percentages do not add up to Zero Measurement 31/50

32 Figure 3.5: Wind-turbine park in less good weather, is it more or less disruptive? Less disruptive Equally disruptive More disruptive Residents 74% 24% 1% Businesses 66% 30% 2% Dutch holidaymakers 74% 22% 1% German holidaymakers 66% 31% 2% 0% 100% All groups found the wind-turbine park less disruptive in less good weather than in good weather. The residents and the Dutch holidaymakers believed this more strongly than the businesses and the German holidaymakers. The respondents were shown a film of the wind-turbine park as it would be visible at night, and then they were asked to what extent they found its visibility at night disruptive. A considerable number of the respondents indicated that they had not been able to view the film or had not been able to view it well. The results are therefore extrapolated to the respondents who were able to give an opinion. Therefore figure 3.6 indicates how many respondents this concerned for every study group Zero Measurement 32/50

33 Figure 3.6: To what extent is the visibility of the wind-turbine park at night disruptive? (very) Disruptive Somewhat disruptive Hardly to not disruptive Residents (n=324) 27% 17% 55% Businesses (n=148) 33% 21% 46% Dutch holidaymakers (n=342) 24% 17% 59% German holidaymakers (n=49) 49% 16% 35% 0% 100% Again, it can be seen that the German holidaymakers were most negative. Despite the small number of observations, the share of respondents that indicated they experienced the windturbine park at night as disruptive or very disruptive (49%) was significantly greater than for the other study groups. Of the businesses, one third of the respondents gave the same opinion (33%), whilst nearly half of them believed that the visibility of the wind-turbine park at night is hardly or not disruptive (46%). The residents and the Dutch holidaymakers were even less negative almost a quarter experienced the wind-turbine park by night as very disruptive or disruptive (27% and 24%, respectively), whilst a majority found it hardly or not disruptive (55% and 59%, respectively) Zero Measurement 33/50

34 3.3 General opinion on the wind-turbine park Taking all the photographs and the film into consideration, the respondents were asked to what extent they found the view of the sea with a wind-turbine park disruptive. Figure 3.7: To what extent is the view of the sea with a wind-turbine park disruptive? (very) Disruptive neutral (definitely) Not disruptive Residents 47% 26% 26% Businesses 53% 23% 24% Dutch holidaymakers 44% 24% 32% German holidaymakers 67% 17% 16% 0% 100% Two thirds of the German holidaymakers considered the view of the sea with a wind-turbine park very disruptive or disruptive (67%), whilst only one in six found it definitely not or not disruptive (16%). Residents and businesses were less negative about half found the view disruptive (47% and 53%, respectively) and about a quarter found it definitely not or not disruptive (26% and 24%, respectively). In this aspect, the Dutch holidaymakers were most positive less than half found the view disruptive or very disruptive (44%) and about a third found the view definitely not or not disruptive (32%) Zero Measurement 34/50

35 The respondents who experienced the view as disruptive or very disruptive offered the following reason(s). Figure 3.8: Why is the view of the sea with a wind-turbine park disruptive or very disruptive? Restricts view/pollutes the horizon 78% 75% 74% 70% Unnatural, does not belong there 20% 40% 39% 44% Ugly, not pretty 0% 7% 27% 34% Residents (n=213) Businesses (n=108) Dutch holidaymakers (n=198) German holidaymakers (n=64) 0% 100% All groups found the view of the sea with a wind-turbine park disruptive, because it restricts the view, or pollutes the horizon. Around four in ten residents and Dutch and German holidaymakers called it unnatural, does not belong there ; businesses quoted this less often. Finally, a considerable part of the residents and the Dutch holidaymakers called the view ugly, or not pretty. Remarkably enough none of the German holidaymakers used these terms and businesses mentioned them hardly at all Zero Measurement 35/50

36 The respondents were also asked to give a general opinion on the view of the sea with a wind-turbine park. Figure 3.9: General opinion of the view of the sea with a wind-turbine park (very) Positive Neutral (very) Negative Residents 29% 33% 39% Businesses 24% 31% 45% Dutch holidaymakers 35% 28% 38% German holidaymakers 17% 20% 63% 0% 100% A 63-percent majority of the German holidaymakers expressed a very negative or negative opinion. For the other groups, the opinions were more strongly divided. Nearly half of the businesses had a negative view (45%), whilst nearly four in ten residents (39%) and Dutch holidaymakers (38%) shared this opinion. The latter group was most positive in relative terms, as almost one third said they considered the view of the sea with a wind-turbine park as positive or very positive (35%) Zero Measurement 36/50

37 The following figure indicates whether the respondents find the distance between the windturbine park and the beach acceptable. Figure 3.10: Is the distance between the wind-turbine park and the beach acceptable? Yes A little No Don't know Residents 36% 31% 32% 1% Businesses 25% 27% 48% 1% Dutch holidaymakers 38% 27% 34% 1% German holidaymakers 12% 30% 56% 3% 0% 100% More than half of the German holidaymakers believed that the distance between the windturbine park and the beach is not acceptable (56%), whilst only 12 percent believed the distance is acceptable. The businesses were a little more positive, as nearly half called the distance unacceptable (48%), and one in four businesses found the distance acceptable (25%). The residents and the Dutch holidaymakers were most positive in relative terms, as nearly four in ten respondents in both groups found the distance acceptable and a smaller share found the distance unacceptable Zero Measurement 37/50

38 Then the respondents were asked if they found the size of the wind-turbine park, as seen on the photographs, acceptable. Figure 3.11: Is the size of the wind-turbine park acceptable? Yes A little No Don't know Residents 41% 30% 28% 1% Businesses 34% 26% 39% 2% Dutch holidaymakers 45% 25% 28% 1% German holidaymakers 26% 28% 40% 5% 0% 100% In terms of the size of the wind-turbine park, the German holidaymakers were again least positive, as a quarter called the size acceptable (26%) and two fifths found it unacceptable (40%). Of the businesses about two fifths responded negatively (39%), but a third found the size acceptable. Of the residents and the Dutch holidaymakers, more than two fifths found the size acceptable and more than a quarter found it unacceptable Zero Measurement 38/50

39 The respondents were also asked if they found the view of the wind-turbine park attractive. Figure 3.12: Is the view of the wind-turbine park attractive? Yes A little No Residents 6% 25% 68% Businesses 5% 20% 74% Dutch holidaymakers 10% 25% 63% German holidaymakers 3% 14% 81% 0% 100% The majority of all groups found the view of the wind-turbine park not attractive. Again, the German holidaymakers were most negative (80% no ), followed by the businesses (74% no ). The residents and the Dutch holidaymakers were less negative, as ten percent of the latter group called the view of the wind-turbine park attractive Zero Measurement 39/50

40 Finally, it was asked if the view of a wind-turbine park would influence the respondents beach visits. This question was not asked of the businesses of course. Figure 3.13: How often would you visit the beach with a view of a wind-turbine park when the park is completed? (more) Often As often Less often (almost) Never Don t know Residents 2% 66% 17% 10% 5% Dutch holidaymakers 4% 56% 20% 16% 4% German holidaymakers 1% 38% 24% 25% 12% 0,0% 100,0% Half of the German holidaymakers indicated that the wind-turbine park would have a negative influence on their visits to a beach with a view of a wind-turbine park a quarter said they would visit this beach less often (24%) and a quarter said they would never or almost never visit this beach again (25%). Of the Dutch holidaymakers, more than a third would visit this beach less often (20%) or hardly ever or never (16%). For the residents these percentages were lower at 17% and 10%, respectively Zero Measurement 40/50

41 3.4 Prerequisites The respondents were presented with a number of prerequisites, with the question to indicate for every one of them if this would make a wind-turbine park more acceptable or attractive. Table 3.1: Prerequisites - % yes, wind-turbine park becomes more acceptable/attractive Residents Businesses Dutch holidaymak ers German holidaymak ers When the wind-turbine park is less visible 58% 55% 54% 61% When the wind-turbine park provides you personally with cheap energy 51% 46% 51% 33% When it is the only option to study whether sea-based wind-turbine parks are viable 48% 39% 49% 30% When the wind-turbine park does not alienate tourists 46% 51% 47% 52% When the wind-turbine park can be visited for education or recreation 36% 35% 41% 23% When the wind-turbine park has a nice design 34% 28% 41% 24% More than half of all groups believed that the wind-turbine park would be more acceptable and/or attractive if it would be less visible. The prerequisite When the wind-turbine park provides you personally with cheap energy was received positively by approximately half the residents, businesses, and Dutch holidaymakers. Logically, this applied less to German holidaymakers. About half of the residents and the Dutch holidaymakers said the wind-turbine park would be more acceptable and/or attractive if it was the only option to study whether sea-based windturbine parks are viable. Businesses shared this opinion less often (39%) and of the German holidaymakers only 30 percent responded positively to this prerequisite. In terms of the prerequisite When the wind-turbine park does not alienate tourists there were hardly any differences between the groups, almost half of the respondents believed that this would make the wind-turbine park more acceptable/attractive. More than one third of the residents, businesses, and Dutch holidaymakers believed that the Zero Measurement 41/50

42 wind-turbine park becomes more acceptable/attractive when it can be visited for education or recreation purposes. The German holidaymakers were considerably less positive about this less than a quarter said this prerequisite would make the wind-turbine park more acceptable or attractive (23%). The prerequisite When the wind-turbine park has a beautiful design was mainly appreciated by the Dutch holidaymakers approximately four in ten people believed this would make the wind-turbine park more acceptable/attractive. Relatively few of the residents responded positively (34%) and the businesses (28%) and the German holidaymakers (24%) were even less positive. Then the respondents were asked if they could offer any prerequisites that would make a wind-turbine park more acceptable or attractive. The answers that were given by less than four percent have not been included in the graph. Figure 3.14: Other prerequisites that would make the wind-turbine park more acceptable/attractive Further away, at a greater distance If it would be invisible 16% 13% 16% 10% 9% 6% 7% 22% Residents Businesses Dutch holidaymakers German holidaymakers Different colour or shape 6% 6% 5% 2% If it is better for the environment 5% 3% 5% 7% If it doesn t damage nature 3% 4% 4% 2% No prerequisite 4% 7% 4% 14% Don t know 50% 53% 58% 59% Half or more of the respondents of all the groups could not mention a prerequisite that would make the wind-turbine park more acceptable and/or attractive. When they did mention a prerequisite, it was usually that the wind-turbine park would have to be located further away, at a greater distance off the coast. A small part of the respondents said explicitly that there was no prerequisite that would make the wind-turbine park more acceptable and/or attractive. This was said particularly by the German holidaymakers (14%) Zero Measurement 42/50

43 CHAPTER 4 Information provision Zero Measurement 43/50

44 4. INFORMATION PROVISION 4.1 Introduction This chapter deals with the information provision in respect of the wind-turbine park. Paragraph 4.2 deals with the issue of whether the respondent was already aware of the plans for the wind-turbine park and, if yes, how they became aware of these. The next paragraph describes the need for information on the wind-turbine park. The questions concerning information were not put to the German holidaymakers. 4.2 Existing information Figure 4.1 shows if the respondent was already aware of the wind-turbine park that will be built off the coast of Egmond. Figure 4.1: Already aware of the construction of the wind-turbine park? Yes No Residents 58% 42% Businesses 86% 14% Dutch holidaymakers 34% 66% 0% 100% A large majority of the businesses said that they were already aware of the wind-turbine park that will be constructed off the coast of Egmond (86%). This percentage was considerably lower for the residents (58%) and only one third of the Dutch holidaymakers was already aware (34%) Zero Measurement 44/50