Sociotechnical Imaginaries in an Environment Impacted by a Wind Power Plant in Norway

Abstract

Øyfjellet Wind Plant in Nordland was built as part of a push toward green energy by the government of Norway. Its construction in a previously untouched area of land used by Sami reindeer herders has resulted in resistance from locals and political and environmental activists. This thesis investigates this by identifying the sociotechnical imaginaries present among the different sides in the conflict, and exploring the impacts of the wind plant, as experienced by people in the local community. Data was collected through purposive sampling and semi-structured, qualitative interviews, and analyzed by the identification and organization of common themes. Three distinct imaginaries were identified. One is characterized by environmental preservation, another by the preservation of Sami indigenous rights, and the last by green energy and industry. The greatest impacts were the consequence for Sami rights and the upwards distribution of wealth and power. Powerlessness to change the outcome and attitudes toward opponents in the conflict were also explored.