Presentation short abstract

As renewable energy expands, many communities oppose local projects. Often labeled as “NIMBY,” their views are seldom explored. This study examines why they resist, when they would support renewables, and what alternative energy pathways they propose for the case of Greece

Presentation long abstract

Large-scale renewable energy (RE) projects are expanding worldwide as governments accelerate decarbonization. In Greece, however, this expansion has sparked widespread local opposition, particularly against industrial-scale wind and solar developments in ecologically and culturally territories. Although such resistance is often dismissed as NIMBYism or climate skepticism, evidence shows that local movements articulate diverse motivations and, often, constructive alternative visions. We contribute to this debate by examining the values, concerns, and proposals of opposition groups in Greece, with specific attention to their alignment with degrowth-oriented ideas. Drawing on 195 survey responses from iparticipants in RE opposition movements across the country, we combine descriptive statistics, KMeans clustering, and thematic analysis to explore: why local actors oppose RE megaprojects; the conditions under which they would support renewable energy; and the alternative energy pathways they envision, including whether these resonate with degrowth principles.

Our findings reveal that opposition to RE in Greece is heterogeneous and not an outright rejection of the energy transition. Most respondents acknowledge the urgency of climate change and support RE, but reject projects perceived as environmentally damaging, unjust, or imposed without consultation. Cluster analysis identifies three attitudinal profiles: Degrowth Localists, who prioritize sufficiency, local autonomy, and degrowth; Status-Quo Energy Supporters, who prefer centralized fossil-based systems; and Techno-Industrial Optimists, who support nuclear and techno-fixes.

Thematic analysis shows that many participants articulate alternative imaginaries rooted in democratic governance, ecological care, and territorial justice. Rather than rejecting renewables, they emphasize energy reduction, well-sited decentralized systems while challenging profit-driven models and growth-oriented development.