Resistenze agli impianti eolici nell'Appennino Settentrionale (1995 - 2012)

With the application of the EU incentives for renewable energy, new wind farm projects have been proliferating, in the Northern Apennines as well. The article offers an overview of the projects, carried out or refused, and focuses on some emblematic disputes. The fragile area considered - one of the "extremely disadvantaged" rural areas in Italy - has variedly reacted to wind farm proposals. In many cases, grassroots groups have shown no inferiority complex, being proud of living in places that they have chosen, and they regard as sources of wealth - provided that they remain as they are. Environmental associations are almost always very active in this area, even in the absence of local mobilizations; they constantly monitor the area and offer counter-expertise in disputes. In the light of the costs of implementation of wind farms a revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment procedure, according to a more participatory approach, is suggested.