Understand and respect the local context
To effectively engage with impacted stakeholders, it is critical to understand and respect the social, economic, political and environmental landscape. Projects can encounter both strong advocates and fierce opposition because stakeholders perceive the benefits and impacts differently.
Engage early, continuously, meaningfully & transparently
Community engagement should occur throughout the project life cycle from early development to decommissioning.
Offering a variety of engagement methods and channels can increase participation and make it easier to gather input that positively shapes the project early on.
Define a clear plan focused on delivering shared value
Every infrastructure project introduces externalities and has an impact – short-term or long-term, temporary or permanent, and in distinct phases of the project life cycle. A shared value approach shapes projects in such a way that they generate value for those most affected while also being beneficial for the business.
Galicia is a coastal region in the northwest of Spain. Dense forests and small villages alternate through its green hilly landscape with turbines that take advantage of the windy conditions. Over the past few years, there has been growing opposition for large-scale clean power infrastructure, located relatively close to residences, areas of economic activity, recreational sites, and natural ecosystems. This opposition, amplified by different pressure groups and social media, is increasingly delaying, and even preventing the deployment of additional renewable power. It is important to acknowledge this and ensure that communities are part of the decision-making process, engaged from the outset, so that value is created for everyone.
Miguel G. Torreira
Managing Director, Accenture Strategy
Our industry needs dialogue with community groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to define common standards for a people-positive energy transition. We also invite our industry peers to work together to find the best ways to integrate people-positive measures into the buildout. And we urge governments to not only focus on the lowest price, but also the wider societal value creation in their transition plans. We need to build green energy now, and we need to build it right for the people and the planet.
Mads Nipper
Chief Executive Officer, Ørsted
As a former solar PV project developer, community engagement is not something new. But what was considered successful engagement in the past will not hold true for the future. We have just begun to scratch the surface of global clean power infrastructure development, on the path to tripling renewables by 2030. Wind and solar deployment require 10x more land than fossil fuel alternatives. We have an opportunity to do things differently, and truly bring about a more equitable and just transition.
Kristen Panerali
Head of Clean Power, Grids and Electrification World Economic Forum
This report outlines the core principles of establishing and nurturing partnerships with local communities, while also providing insights into how we can build trust and transparency through our community engagement practices. This requires an evolution of our business processes and operations, placing emphasis on community engagement and integration of local partnerships throughout the project life cycle.
Kareen Boutonnat
CEO of EMEA and APAC, Lightsource bp