Energy transition is underway, and more countries and governments have been installing grid networks. 

The installation itself isn’t something challenging. The real challenge lies in gaining community support–particularly for hosting new transmission lines.

Recent reviews have shown that communities often resist these projects because they haven’t fully understood their necessity or potential benefits.

Now, it’s somehow understandable because uncertainty can undermine support for large-scale projects. 

Therefore, effective public engagement is important for translating national energy policies into local realities.

Some experts say that rural residents frequently express interest in hosting wind turbines. However, they surprisingly may also oppose new transmission line projects without realizing that the success of the wind farm depends on this infrastructure.

On the other hand, successful installation projects prioritize early and frequent engagement with communities. They demonstrated how the projects are harmonious with broader goals and how they benefit the community directly.

When communities feel ownership or inclusion in the project, experts suggest that it’s much more likely to succeed.

Resistance poses a challenge to the green transition

According to experts, skepticism from communities towards renewable energy projects is a global concern.

An example of such skepticism is the fact that the majority of Americans support renewables. Despite that fact, many renewable projects face opposition when it’s being constructed.

Approximately 300 wind, solar, and transmission projects in the United States are encountering delays due to local resistance. It has hindered investments worth A$132 billion and 74,000 job opportunities.

This resistance is partly understandable. Communities may resist projects that feel imposed upon them, especially if they perceive them as imposing costs without benefits.

As briefly mentioned, developers who engage with communities early on and address concerns collaboratively stand a better chance of success. Moreover, ensuring that benefits are shared equitably can also make a difference.

Prioritizing the locals

In Victoria’s Wimmera Southern Mallee region near the Grampians, nearly 20 new renewable energy projects are in the pipeline.

However, the lack of transmission lines has hindered progress on solar farms in this sunny area. Some local residents are skeptical about transmission projects, which is holding back the development of renewable projects.

Thankfully, there is progress due to the efforts of regional development organization Wimmera Southern Mallee Development.

CEO Chris Souness noted the importance of collaboration between developers and communities. It is to ensure that farming communities and rural towns benefit from renewable energy projects.

The region is in need of job opportunities, diversified industries, workforce training, and improved housing. Renewable and transmission projects have the potential to address these needs. So, a rather win-win situation.

Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the community’s perspective. 

The Hay Shire Council consulted its residents about renewable energy projects to ensure that their voices were heard.

The residents were concerned about the potential environmental impact of wind and solar farms. They also worried about the availability of housing for workers and the visual impact of transmission lines.

Through consulting or discussion, the development of such projects will feel collaborative as opposed to imposed upon the community.

So.. how does one improve quickly if there’s a limited time?

We know we need to make significant improvements, but time is running out to transition to a greener energy. If there’s more opposition, this will get more challenging, won’t it?

One way forward is to prioritize the long-term success of these projects. Projects that benefit both the landowners hosting them and the wider community. 

For farmers grappling with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change, renewable energy projects offer new sources of income. 

Wind companies in Australia, for example, typically pay landowners over A$40,000 per turbine per year. Many farmers host multiple turbines while still managing their livestock.

Similarly, solar projects provide steady income, with farmers earning around $1,500 per hectare per year in rent. And, they can continue farming under the panels. 

At the same time, those willing to host high voltage transmission lines can receive substantial payments, ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 per kilometer.

Successful regional projects proved to be possible here, but national-level action is also crucial.

Governments must improve communication about their plans at the local level. They must explain the reasons behind the transition, the benefits it brings to communities, and the importance of transmission infrastructure.

Experts suggest that establishing a CSIRO-based research center focused on environmental, technological, and social outcomes in the energy transition could be beneficial. 

Additionally, investing in local energy hubs where people can access information, ask questions, and learn about sharing the benefits could be valuable. 

While it is true that some communities still oppose energy transition, let’s not forget that others have embraced it.

Many communities have worked to adapt and become more resilient against climate change. For instance, some have got creative with water conservation, found new sources of energy, and recycled human waste.

Examples from other communities

The western US is facing a situation where supply for water doesn’t meet its demand. To address this issue, engineers inspired by nature’s purification process now recycle raw sewage into clean, drinkable water.

Boise, Idaho, has been proactive in addressing future water scarcity by testing different technologies to purify industrial wastewater. Their aim is to make it reusable, contributing to sustainable water management.

Similarly, in St. George, Utah, there are efforts to utilize treated and reclaimed water for irrigation purposes. This initiative conserves precious drinking water and also supports culinary needs and purposes.

In Maine, there have been innovative projects which repurpose lumber industry byproducts into wood-fiber insulation. These projects can both trap carbon and reduce environmental impact. 

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found that the addition of certain types of seaweed to cows’ diets can reduce methane production. 

Of course, this mitigates the issue of methane emissions that are largely associated with cattle.

And in terms of another form of gas, Seattle Children’s Hospital has implemented greener practices in sedative gas. This reduces harmful gas emissions.

The impact of certain anesthetic gases on climate change is a growing, concerning issue. Nitrous oxide and desflurane, in particular, have alarmingly high heat-trapping properties. 

Anesthesiologists at Seattle Children’s have made substantial progress, cutting their climate impact by 87% over the past five years. It’s a noteworthy achievement.

Human waste into energy

Now, when it comes to turning waste into usable energy, there have been emerging new, innovative approaches, as well.

Brigham Young University has showcased the promise of animal and human waste as an energy source. They offer a sustainable alternative that might potentially replace natural gas from fossil fuels.

In Washington state, there’s a collaborative effort between farmers and the Tulalip Tribes. It was initially aimed at mitigating manure runoff, but it has evolved into a venture that captures methane emissions and generates renewable energy. 

There are even plans to extract hydrogen from cow waste, further expanding the potential of this resource.

 

 

Community-scale restoration projects

Then, in Massachusetts restoration efforts for salt marshes are underway. Here, the salt marshes have dwindled by 41% since 1777 and now ecologists are using ribbed mussels to revitalize coastal wetlands. 

These coastal wetlands serve as important buffers against storms, and they’re vital for natural water filters and wildlife habitats. Essentially, they offer hope for stabilizing vulnerable marshes threatened by rising sea levels.

Notably, the Swinomish Tribe recently constructed the first modern clam garden in the US, employing environmental engineering techniques to enhance clam habitat. 

While the ecological benefits may take time to manifest, the project already shows advantages for the community.

 

Sources

https://theconversation.com/without-community-support-the-green-energy-transition-will-fail-heres-how-to-get-communities-on-board-225163
https://www.npr.org/2023/10/05/1202290316/climate-change-community-action