LOCAL COMMUNITY AND ENERGY PROJECTS IN CROATIA. Results of empirical research on attitudes of local community near TE Plomin

Abstract

Research was conducted on the population sample from the districts near TE Plomin (N=687) and attitudes of local community on the construction of electric power plants in Croatia were analyzed. Also analyzed were environmental, human health and landscape impact assessments as well as assessments of required (safe) distance from the power plants. It has been found that nuclear and thermal power plants are perceived as unacceptable. Most respondents find coal-based thermal power plants unacceptable, as well plants based on crude and light destillate oil. The respondents find renewable energy sources, as well as hydroelectric power plants as most acceptable. The analysis of the relation between environmental, human health and landscape risk perception and electric power plants, revealed differences in risk estimates. Statistically significant
differences were found, based on certain socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, as well as their benefit/damage estimates of nearby electric power plant (TE Plomin).