Recognising the Importance of Social Acceptance and Territorial Integration for Renewable Energy Success

A recent report by the Fundacion Naturgy emphasises that social and territorial acceptance are essential factors in the success of renewable energy projects. Without community and local stakeholder support, such initiatives are at risk of facing significant delays or outright rejection.

Presented in Barcelona, the report titled Renewable energies: social and territorial development and integration stresses that meaningful dialogue and active listening with local communities should be central to project planning. Engaging in transparent communication helps to build trust and align project goals with community interests.

According to Marta Bellera, director of risk management at the Institut Cerda who authored the study, renewable projects require not only suitable territorial conditions and logistical considerations but also environmental compatibility and social acceptance. These elements are critical to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth implementation.

The report warns against politicising renewable projects and advocates for depolarised debates that focus on facts and shared benefits. It suggests that multi-dimensional planning that considers cultural, landscape, and social factors can strengthen local ties and provide added value to the community.

Maria Eugenia Coronado, general director of Fundacion Naturgy, underscores that fostering trust makes or breaks the energy transition. A lack of consensus can slow progress and result in missed opportunities for local development. The report calls for projects to be scaled appropriately, respecting local identity, morphology, and existing activities while avoiding extractive approaches.

Particularly in rural areas, the social licence is a sensitive subject because these regions have traditionally supplied resources to the wider system without necessarily sharing in the benefits or addressing community concerns. The report emphasises the necessity of returning value to local communities through development and services, ensuring renewable projects are inclusive and mutually beneficial.

In conclusion, the report advocates for a holistic approach to renewable energy deployment that integrates social, cultural, environmental, and territorial considerations. Such an approach is vital to unlocking public support, minimising conflicts, and fostering sustainable energy transitions that align with local priorities.