Negotiations
Group Theory
November 2, 2014

BO
Most of the limitations of solar power come from one place. That is the lack of infrastructure in place to support it. That is the source of the argument about whether to user solar power and how much to use it. On one side people will argue that solar power can’t support our power needs. It costs too much to implement, and isn’t reliable enough. On the other side people will argue that solar power is free to use. If we invest more in infrastructure and research new, more efficient energy storage technologies, then the price for implementation can be brought down. These are the reasonable arguments that both sides make, however also have those with extreme views on the issue.
There are some that will not consider any alternative energy solutions, because they are making money off of what is in place already. They implement roadblocks in the way of alternative energy solutions, and sometimes buy up patents and never use them.
Those that hold the extreme view for alternative energies believe that everyone should stop using fossil fuels, and use only alternative energies. Many believe that we should spare no expense to getting new energies in place. Some even believe that we should take a step back, and trying using less energy. They believe that we should try to integrate more into our environment. They look at the past and say “Hey, we used to live this way.” They forget about the advances we have made because of our modern society.
There are good against both for and against solar power, and alternative energy in general. We need to try to find a middle ground. Solar energy can’t replace fossil fuels all by itself, but if we could implement it with the other alternative energies; wind, hydro-electric, thermal, then I believe we could make clean energy sustainable. If we could get those who are only interested in getting rich to be the primary investors in new initiatives, then they will be able to make money and we can get green energy off the ground.
KW
Occupational Safety and Health in the Wind Energy Sector Although wind energy is considered ‘green’ and good for the environment, it does not necessarily mean it will be good for the health and safety of workers. Wind energy workers can be exposed to hazards that can result in deaths, serious injuries and ill health during the various phases of a wind farm project. Many aspects of siting, erecting, maintaining, servicing and possibly dismantling wind turbines are unique, and even if most of the job hazards that these workers will face are not (e.g. working at heights, manual handling, electrical risks or confined spaces) the working environments and combinations in which they are found create unique challenges (e.g. remote areas, extreme weather conditions or working at sea). New technologies or working processes associated with wind energy will also lead to new hazards, which call for new combinations of skills to deal with them (EU-OSHA, 2013b).
The production of energy accounts for 80 % of all greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU). In its Europe 2020 Strategy (European Commission, 2010), the European Commission has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 % by 2020, to improving energy efficiency by 20 % by 2020 and to increasing the share of renewable energy to 20 % by 2020.
Wind energy is renewable and clean, and produces no greenhouse gas emissions. Europe has an ambitious challenge to increase its wind energy capacity so that it represents 25 % of EU electricity consumption by 2030 (EWEA, 2010). In 2012, it accounted for 13 % of the EU’s power capacity and 32 % of all new power capacity in Europe (EWEA, 2014). As the EU power sector continues its move away from oil, coal and nuclear fuels, wind energy has experienced tremendous growth over the past decades, and this is expected to continue.
In 2010, there were 70,488 onshore wind turbines and 1,132 offshore turbines across the EU (EWEA, 2013a). By the end of 2009, the European wind energy sector provided jobs for 192,000 people, and many more well-trained workers are needed in areas ranging from manufacturing to project management.
It has been predicted that by 2020 there will be 446,000 jobs in the wind energy sector in Europe (EWEA, 2012).
Growth in the wind energy sector can be attributed to a number of factors, including financial confidence, technological advances, legislative support from local governments and increased public support and awareness. As the EU’s wind energy industry continues to grow, new challenges begin to emerge. With an increasing number of workers now employed in various aspects of the wind energy sector, becomes a prime concern. Wind energy is a relatively new industry, and some of the workers may not be fully aware of the hazards that exist in this work environment. In addition, the speed at which the EU wind industry is expanding could lead to skills gaps, with inexperienced workers involved in processes for which they have not been trained, and therefore putting their safety and health at risk.
The wind energy sector is still relatively new, with wind turbine technology constantly progressing in tower design and component technology. These modifications create an on-going responsibility to ensure that workers who conduct installations, routine operations and maintenance procedures on wind turbines do so under the safest possible conditions.
It could be argued that the hazards found within a wind farm are not very different from those that exist in other industries today. However, considering the sometimes unique and extreme conditions in which these hazards are found, the new combination of these hazards and the inexperience of some of the workers in this sector, it is possible that these hazards may not be controlled or managed appropriately (EU-OSHA, 2013b).
Several common challenges have become apparent with regard to in the wind energy sector and these have been outlined below.
It is evident that the amount of information available related to is rather sparse and in some cases extremely vague. The main reasons for this lack in data within the wind energy sector are: * The existing fleet of wind turbines is relatively young. * There is a lack of research/experimental data on risk exposures to workers; most research focuses on public safety. * The operational data of turbines are kept confidential by the manufacturer. Some wind energy operators share among themselves (mostly between members of wind energy trade associations) their data on incidents and accidents but do not make this information public, thereby limiting possibilities for OSH actors to contribute to research and action to improve conditions in the sector.
The wind energy industry needs to understand the benefits of sharing ideas and experiences (e.g. information on failures as well as successes) among themselves, with other industries and with OSH actors and researchers. This would help to improve both standards and working conditions for their workers. It has also been suggested that, for the less mature offshore industry, it might be helpful to conduct further research on wind farms to identify the issues and the level and type of risk assessment that is required.
Wind energy workers both onshore and offshore may be exposed to risks throughout the entire life cycle of a wind turbine. It is not unusual for the majority of workers in the wind energy sector, whether onshore or offshore, to work at height, climb ladders many times a day, work in confined spaces in awkward positions, expend great physical effort or be exposed to chemicals, fumes and dust. These working conditions all lead to many hazards. However, the offshore working environment introduces additional hazards or an increase in risk to the workers when undertaking or being exposed to: * Personnel transfers — there are hazards during personnel transfers between marine vessels or helicopters and wind turbines, risk of collisions and falls into water by workers. * Diving operations — there are hazards during foundation installation, cable laying, turbine inspections and maintenance. * Emergency evacuations — evacuations during a fire, explosion or severe weather conditions are more difficult. The travel distance to and from shore during emergencies needs to be considered. * Exposure to weather conditions and heat and cold — offshore platforms are subject to more extreme weather conditions. Changes in weather or shipping delays also lead to time pressure and constraints. Workers can end up stranded for days. * Structural risks — wave action, currents and corrosion will affect turbine components. * Lifting operations — offshore turbines are larger and the wind loads are greater because of the extreme weather conditions. There is a risk of movement of the vessel during lifting and motion of the turbine.
In order to close the gap of conflict in this particular instance, there has to be communication to the workers and those in power. There needs to be a clear understanding that the workers are putting their lives on the line everyday just providing daily maintenance on the turbines. Both leadership and workers should be in constant communication, allowing ideas for more safety to flow. Leadership should be opened to hearing the worker’s needs and utilizing their problem solving skills to make the workplace more comfortable for everyone.
MS
Understanding, acceptance and participation will need to be addressed when implementing or even introducing clean technology, there will be numerous issues that will arise. For instance, when Biofuel companies are incorporated into a community, societal and cultural impacts can include both negative and positive aspects as the creation process of biofuel starts with the energy from organic matter of wood, plants, fumes, and residues that generate carbon dioxide just as fossil fuels do. This energy can be converted to create biofuels, bio power and bio products. However, a company focused only on financial gain will have tunnel vision and may utilize the distributive type of negotiation strategy where the ultimate goal is to maximize the outcome with an offer favorable only to itself with threats and refusal to modify their position is a strategy that will not be effective and may even cause damage that can cause future cooperation, undermine trust and diminish the possibility of conflicts being resolved constructively.
To be effective, an integrative negotiating strategy will need to be utilized. Parties involved, (the community and the company) will need to both describe what is felt and wanted with the invention of at least three optional agreements that maximize joint outcomes. For instance, where both parties both understand and want to work together to reduce pollution by reducing vehicle emissions via biofuels. Meetings will need to be held, education and training will need to be presented by both parties so that both can listen to understand each other with shared power, flexibility and willingness to focus on wants and interests, not positions (Johnson, 2009).
The roles of effective leadership are crucial when implementing or even introducing clean technology. However, with the utilization of problem solving and compromising strategies to manage conflicts of interest, both the company and the community will have a successful outcome with respect and understanding to each other to achieve their mutual goal of reducing pollution by reducing vehicle emissions via biofuels.

References
EU-OSHA (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work), ‘Occupational safety and health in the wind energy sector’, European Risk Observatory report, 2013a. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/reports/occupational-safety-and-health-in-the-wind-energy-sector
EU-OSHA (European Agency for Safety and Health at work), Green jobs and occupational safety and health: Foresight on new emerging risks associated with new technologies by 2020, 2013b. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/reports/green-jobs-foresight-newemerging-risks-technologies/view
European Commission, ‘Europe 2020: a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’, communication from the Commission, Com(2010) 2020, 2010. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/pdf/COMPLET%20EN%20BARROSO%20%20%20007%20-%20Europe%202020%20-%20EN%20version.pdf
EWEA (European Wind Energy Association), ‘European Wind Energy Platform, wind energy technology roadmap implementation plan 2010—2012’, 2010. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/technology/initiatives/doc/wind_implementation_plan_final.pdf
EWEA (European Wind Energy Association), ‘Wind in power, 2012 European statistics’, 2013b. Available at: http://www.ewea.org/fileadmin/files/library/publications/statistics/Wind_in_power_annual_statistics_2012.pdf
EWEA (European Wind Energy Association), ‘Wind energy FAQs’, 2013a. Available at: http://www.ewea.org/wind-energy-basics/faq/
EWEA (European Wind Energy Association), Wind in power, 2013 European Statistics, 2014. Available at: http://www.weea.org/fileadmin/files/library/publications/statistics/EWEA_Annual_Statistcs_2013.pdf
Gaughan, R. (n.d.). The Case for & Against Solar Energy. Retrieved from Opposing Views:http://science.opposingviews.com/case-against-solar-energy-19638.html
Johnson, D. W. (2009).Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.
Vesperman, G. (2006, June 06). History of 'New Energy' Invention Suppression Cases. Retrieved from Rense: http://www.rense.com/general72/oinvent.htm