Public, politicians and media’s attitude surrounding combined-cycle energy: a case study in Alange and La Zarza

Abstract

considered the “Clean Energy” and becoming a global industry. Despite of it has
many benefits in comparison to those technologies that use coal or fuel as raw
material, also contributes to numerous forms of environment pollution. Hazards
associated with such “Clean Energy” upset social patterns in the nearest
communities where the power plants are built. These hazards plus lack of
information to the public usually cause confrontations and annoyed populations.
This dissertation aims to understand the public’s attitude toward the hazards
associated with living near combined-cycle power plants. This dissertation not
only looks at public’s attitude but at two important factors that may affect the
public perception of such risk: Media and Policy.
A focus group was carried out on a population where two projects of combinedcycle
power plants are in study to be built. The interview gained an insight into
how the residents perceive the hazards associated with such energy, at this
particular location, and their view of the reason for the reached of annoyed
population
The research finding determined how Media and Politicians’ attitude towards a
combined-cycle energy project have an influence on public’s attitude and risk
perception surrounding such installations.
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This dissertation also identifies aspects that should be considered when
planning future projects related with the area studied.