Historic investments in renewable energy projects across the U.S. have led to rapid expansions in clean energy development initiatives. But these projects often face complex challenges, including growing community opposition.
The reality of project siting is that developers can’t simply override local objections. To win project support, they have to understand and address these barriers. Our public affairs senior counselor Stephen Sementilli has over 20 years of experience working with developers on siting projects, and he’s pinpointed three key strategies for upfront investment that are crucial to long-term success.
Approach opposition with respect and transparency.
Gaining approvals for a new project often hinges on building trust within the local community—and dismissing their concerns will only build resistance and risk significant delays. Instead, address issues proactively and transparently.
Anticipate concerns like environmental impact or land use and discuss them transparently. You’ll demonstrate your commitment to understanding and responding to community worries. Citing credible studies or sources that address these concerns will further show you’ve researched the project and are committed to providing clear answers.
Above all else, prioritize open communication. Avoid speculating or guessing to fill in information gaps, even with good intentions. It’s likely to raise more concerns than you’ll alleviate.
Understand the local community and its relationships before launching a project.
Before proposing any new projects, it’s crucial to understand the community’s attitudes, history and past reactions to similar plans. Research key influencers and community decision-makers to understand their perspectives, as their views often shape those of the broader community—and, if possible, meet with them directly. Opposition is most powerful when it’s rooted in personal relationships.
In fact, building strong connections with local leaders and the community should be a top priority. Listening to their concerns establishes a commitment to partnership (and dispels the common misconception that developers ignore community interests). Engaging local stakeholders early and establishing strong support networks can help proactively address potential issues.
Recognize that some level of opposition is inevitable.
When launching a new development project, anticipate and prepare for potential opposition from the outset.
The earlier that developers invest in opposition management strategies, the better equipped they are to handle potential roadblocks. By anticipating issues, communicating transparently and cultivating community support, they can turn potential obstacles into opportunities to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable, community-focused development. It’s a proactive approach that’s essential for long-term project success.
Siting renewable energy projects requires navigating a complex framework of community and regulatory dynamics. To succeed, developers have to weigh potential project barriers against their commitment to transparency and respect. It’s an approach that will not only address challenges as they crop up but also foster positive relationships with local stakeholders—something that’s integral for project success.
If your project needs public affairs support, reach out to Senior Counselor Stephen Sementilli at ssementilli@mower.com.