Public acceptance & engagement

about the topic

Although electricity grids are recognised as the backbone of the energy transition, grid development projects often face local opposition. The same occurs to renewable energy projects, particularly wind farms.

While it may be unrealistic to gain the consensus of all actors involved, practices that implement early and meaningful engagement with stakeholders and the public have shown results in reducing opposition. Meaningful engagement includes stages of information, consultation, and co-design, allowing stakeholders and the public to share concerns and shape the project, as well as the engagement process itself.

At the same time, a holistic approach should be adopted, ensuring that different stages of energy infrastructure planning and implementation are addressed, from setting policy goals to implementing grid projects.

In this topic, RGI works to share best practices while continuously improving approaches towards stakeholder engagement and public participation within energy infrastructure projects.