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This paper reviews the social implications of wind energy from four points of view: socio-environmental, socio-economic, socio-cultural, and stakeholder’s involvement, and analyzes wind power projects in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico, alongside the background of the literature review. Local economy, geographic conditions, culture, and stakeholders are fundamental when planning a wind project. Technology implementation for sustainable development must recognize the importance of reducing emissions and other environmental impacts, and maximizing socio-economic benefits. The aim of this paper is to review social implications of wind energy, with special emphasis on a disadvantaged region in Mexico, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, with some of the world׳s highest wind energy potential, but one of the poorest areas in the country and with a large indigenous population. Wind energy development in Mexico has been complex and contentious; the large increase of wind energy in Oaxaca has created social conflicts in Oaxaca, which even might stop further wind project development in the region. Ultimately, local communities need to be considered in the planning and development process of wind power worldwide and the Mexican case shows the need for a national and regional policy, and a comprehensible on-site participatory planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy is indispensible in modern society and is one of the most important components of socio-economic development. Nepal is one of the least developed countries with more than 80% of its population residing in rural communities. Per capita energy usage – often viewed as a key index of the development – in the country is far less than the global average per capita energy usage. The energy sector is dominated by the traditional energy sources such as fuel woods, crop residues and animal dung mainly for domestic usage contributing to about 86% of the national energy consumption. Currently 40% of the population has access to electricity, and the rural electrification accounts for only 29%. The majority of rural populations are meeting their energy needs by burning biomass in traditional stoves which has several environmental and public health issues. Nearly all fossil-derived fuels consumed in the country are imported in a refined form, and the perpetual increase in petroleum imports has adversely impacted the existing fragile economy of the country. Despite a huge potential in harnessing various renewable energy resources such as hydropower, solar power, wind energy and biofuels/bioenergy, these resources have not been sustainably captured due to geographical, technical, political and economical reasons. This paper presents a brief account of Nepal''s renewable energy resources and the current status of various renewable energy technologies (RETs) such as micro-hydro, solar power, wind energy, biofuel/bioenergy, improved cook stoves, and improved water mill. It also highlights the opportunities and barriers for the development of RETs. Finally this paper presents some recommendations for the promotion, development and implementation of RETs in the country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]