Planning Conflicts and Justice: Conceptual Considerations Using the Example of Wind Energy in Northeastern Germany

The energy transition and the expansion of renewable ener-gies are central challenges to planning. In view of tightened climate protection targets and the associated rise in instal-lation capacity, planning conflicts are likely to intensify fur-ther in the coming years. At the same time, democratic institu-tions are under increasing pressure. The expansion of wind en-ergy must proceed swiftly while democratic participation must be ensured. Based on planning conflicts over wind turbines in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and Brandenburg, this paper addresses the extent to which research on planning conflicts can benefit from a justice perspective, both in theoretical-con-ceptual and empirical terms. Drawing on concepts from re-search on spatial justice, energy justice, and planning justice, the paper uses a three-dimensional conception of justice to identify access points for dealing constructively with conflicts. First, conflicts have to be recognized as such and their productive potential has to be acknowledged. Second, strategies have to be established that allow conflicts to be dealt with constructively. In doing so, several dimensions of justice must be taken into account: distributive justice and the question of what is to be distributed according to which criteria, recognition justice and the reflexion on difference and needs beyond hegemonic majority opinion, and finally procedural justice, which is intended to ensure that recognition and fair distribution can be implemented. In this way, a proactive attitude towards planning conflicts can make a central contribution to sustainable and democratic planning.