In the debate between the pros and the cons of wind power (and renewable energy at large) it is often forgotten that the technology has significant implications beyond the simple economic indicator of the cost of energy. Among these are, for example, the contribution to security of supply, the creation of local employment, and savings from reduced fossil fuel imports.

This report is based on the debate between a multi-disciplinary expert group during a joint workshop organised by the JRC and the working group Task 26 of the International Energy Agency's Implementing Agreement for Co-operation in the Research, Development, and Deployment of Wind Energy Systems (IEA Wind).

The report presents, though a systems approach, the social, environmental and economic aspects affected by wind energy deployment. Although in some clear cases - such as employment creation - the effects are pronounced as positive, the report does not generally aim at identifying which aspects of wind energy are good or bad for society. Instead it offers a palette of categories, and some examples of elements within those that should be taken into account in a holistic consideration of the technology.

As such, this report is intended as a guide for those individuals or organisations aiming at identifying - using their own assumptions - the value of wind energy for society.

Read the full report.