TY - JOUR
T1 - Public Engagement in Electricity Network Development
T2 - The Case of the Beauly–Denny project in Scotland
AU - Tobiasson, Wenche
AU - Beestermöller, Christina
AU - Jamasb, Tooraj
PY - 2016
Y1 - 2016
N2 - Ambitious renewable energy targets and an aging infrastructure necessitate a substantial upgrading and expansion of the electricity networks around Europe and beyond. Although vital for the functioning of the economy and a green energy future, grid development projects are often met by public opposition, which increase costs and lead to lengthy planning processes. Therefore, understanding the social aspects of a green energy economy is becoming increasingly important. The current planning frameworks have proven ineffective at resolving conflicts among stakeholders, indicating the need for a new approach. We analyse these issues from an economic perspective, outlining the economic characteristics of transmission developments and public engagement. We identify previously overlooked features of the planning process that contribute to the rise in conflicts, public opposition and prolonged project realisation. The Scottish Beauly–Denny high voltage transmission development is discussed in detail and our findings indicate a need for better engagement with local communities at an earlier stage of planning. Trust between communities, developers and government is important for the negotiations and can be achieved through transparency, specific education and set guidelines for stakeholder engagement in the planning process.
AB - Ambitious renewable energy targets and an aging infrastructure necessitate a substantial upgrading and expansion of the electricity networks around Europe and beyond. Although vital for the functioning of the economy and a green energy future, grid development projects are often met by public opposition, which increase costs and lead to lengthy planning processes. Therefore, understanding the social aspects of a green energy economy is becoming increasingly important. The current planning frameworks have proven ineffective at resolving conflicts among stakeholders, indicating the need for a new approach. We analyse these issues from an economic perspective, outlining the economic characteristics of transmission developments and public engagement. We identify previously overlooked features of the planning process that contribute to the rise in conflicts, public opposition and prolonged project realisation. The Scottish Beauly–Denny high voltage transmission development is discussed in detail and our findings indicate a need for better engagement with local communities at an earlier stage of planning. Trust between communities, developers and government is important for the negotiations and can be achieved through transparency, specific education and set guidelines for stakeholder engagement in the planning process.
KW - Electricity transmission
KW - Public engagement
KW - Property rights
KW - Energy policy
KW - Electricity networks
KW - Electricity transmission
KW - Public engagement
KW - Property rights
KW - Energy policy
KW - Electricity networks
U2 - 10.1007/s40812-016-0030-0
DO - 10.1007/s40812-016-0030-0
M3 - Journal article
AN - SCOPUS:84971401659
SN - 0391-2078
VL - 43
SP - 105
EP - 126
JO - Economia e Politica Industriale
JF - Economia e Politica Industriale
IS - 2
ER -