Unpacking local energy conflicts: Drivers, narratives, and dynamics of right-wing populism and local resistance to energy transitions in Germany 

Highlights

• Examines links between local resistance to renewables and right-wing populism via seven German case studies.
• Resistance often reflects governance, procedural and distributive justice concerns more than direct populist alignment.
• Populist narratives often emerge locally, reflecting frustrations with opaque planning and perceived injustices.
• Conflict intensity varies; rural areas resist more due to strong landscape and community attachments.
• Transparent, participatory planning can address grievances and limit populist rhetoric in energy debates.

Abstract

This paper examines the role of populist narratives in local resistance to renewable energy projects in Germany. Using survey data and seven case studies of wind energy and grid expansion projects across diverse geographical and socio-economic contexts, the study analyzes the arguments and strategies of local opponents, highlighting their frequent reliance on populist themes such as anti-elitism, anti-pluralism, and people-centrism. However, rather than being primarily driven by right-wing populist agendas, local resistance is shaped by governance concerns, procedural fairness, and distributive justice. Opposition is often rooted in grievances against distant political and economic elites perceived as imposing energy transition projects without adequately considering local needs and interests. This frustration creates opportunities for populist rhetoric to gain traction, particularly where communities feel unfairly burdened by national or global energy policies.

The case studies show that while right-wing populist parties oppose the expansion of renewable energy, there is limited evidence of their direct influence on local protests. Instead, populist framings emerge organically from within communities, reflecting longstanding dissatisfaction with planning processes and participation mechanisms. Given these dynamics, policymakers should focus on improving transparency, enhancing meaningful participation, and addressing socio-economic disparities in energy transition policies. Rather than dismissing local opposition as inherently populist, a more effective approach involves addressing the underlying concerns that drive resistance. Future research should further explore the conditions under which populist narratives gain influence and whether and how participatory processes can mitigate conflicts and foster equitable energy transitions.

Jörg Radtke, David Löw-Beer
Research Institute for Sustainability, Helmholtz Centre, Potsdam, Germany

Energy Strategy Reviews, Volume 61, September 2025, 101844
doi:10.1016/j.esr.2025.101844

Download original document: “Unpacking local energy conflicts: Drivers, narratives, and dynamics of right-wing populism and local resistance to energy transitions in Germany”