Sustainable Coexistence: Wind Energy Development and Beekeeping Prosperity—A Propensity Score Matching Approach


Yıldız M. S., DEMİR N., BİLGİÇ A., AKSOY A., KESKİN Ş.

Energies, cilt.18, sa.16, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 18 Sayı: 16
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/en18164263
  • Dergi Adı: Energies
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: beekeeping, energy, honey income, propensity score matching, Turkiye, wind farms
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Beneath the promise of clean energy, the rapid rise of wind energy farms has stirred mounting concern for pollinator-dependent livelihoods—particularly in beekeeping. This study investigates the effect of wind energy farms on honey-related income using data from six provinces in Turkiye’s Aegean region and the propensity score matching method. Results show that beekeepers operating near wind energy farms experience significantly higher incomes—an average treatment gain of 45,107 TL, with treated groups earning 56,515 TL more—backed by several robust statistical evidence such as placebo and bootstrap techniques. Certain groups—such as younger, nomadic, and family-trained beekeepers, and those receiving financial support—exhibit greater resilience. The findings highlight the need for land-use strategies that balance renewable energy development with ecological and economic concerns. Introducing bee-friendly vegetation around turbines is proposed as a practical solution. This approach can foster a mutually beneficial relationship between wind energy farms and beekeeping, supporting both rural livelihoods and the broader goals of sustainable development.