Community Responses to Changes in Perceptions and Annoyance with Noise and Shadow Flickering: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

In this longitudinal study, we investigate the evolution of community perceptions and annoyance related to wind turbine noise and shadow flicker among residents living within a 1-km radius from the Minamiawaji Wind Farm, Japan. We capture the dynamic interplay of sensory, economic, and participatory dimensions over a decade using surveys conducted in 2013 (T1, n=55) and 2023 (T2, n=151), including paired responses from 36 revisited households. Annoyance from noise significantly declined over time, with mean annoyance scores increasing from 2.8 in 2013 to 4.0 in 2023 (p=0.002), reflecting long-term adaptation. Annoyance with shadow flicker decreased, with mean scores rising from 2.3 to 3.1 (p=0.004). New expanded residents in 2023 reported high annoyance levels (mean = 3.15) compared to long-term residents, indicating that initial exposure remains a challenge. Correlation analyses revealed strong associations between annoyance levels and property value concerns (r = 0.40, p < 0.01) and between shadow flicker annoyance and the perceived necessity of public engagement (r = 0.33, p < 0.01). The study revealed that the perceived importance of public participation in planning increased significantly over time (mean score increasing from 2.05 in 2013 to 2.57 in 2023, p < 0.05). These findings highlight the need for adaptive and inclusive planning strategies, transparent communication, and tailored community engagement to promote the acceptance of wind energy projects. By offering longitudinal evidence, this study provides crucial insights into the socio-environmental dynamics of wind turbine integration and supports the design of policies aimed at harmonizing renewable energy expansion with community well-being.