Mapping the Participation Landscape to Support More Inclusive Public Engagement: An Analysis of Scales, Perspectives and Values in the Context of the Energy Transition

Abstract

Problem. Transitioning to alternative energy systems is a challenging endeavor for governments around the world. Including the public in these transitions is paramount for their success. Failing to do so, or doing so inadequately, has far-reaching consequences on local energy projects. Public opposition may slow down or even halt the development of renewable energy infrastructures, thereby putting the energy transition into peril. Further complicating the task, renewable energy projects, though set in a local context, are framed at the crossroads of global challenges, national energy policies and local realities. If authorities and project managers disconnect a planned project from its larger socio-political landscape, unforeseen issues, such as failed projects in the past that at first did not seem connected to the immediate context, may come to surface and influence the public’s perception of the project. Aim. This dissertation aims to contribute to the improvement of energy transition governance by taking into account the larger landscapes of participation processes. In doing so, it intends to enhance understanding of participation processes in the context of a new technology such as geothermal and how contextual and institutional factors come into play. Methods. The dissertation is based on an explorative research design combining different qualitative research methods, including focus groups, participant observation, and qualitative document analysis in the context of a local geothermal energy project. The combination of methods provides a thick description of the landscape of participation and its public. Furthermore, it adds empirical insights into the use of longitudinal methods in the context of geothermal energy. Continuous reflection on the implications of the chosen methods, tools, analytical steps, and interpretations is an important validity criterion for this transdisciplinary dissertation. Results. First, this dissertation stresses the importance of conceiving of the social context of a renewable energy project as dynamic and in constant interaction with the actors involved in it. Second, focusing on federal structures and energy transitions, the dissertation finds that national and local dynamics on geothermal energy innovation processes are intertwined and mutually influential, which makes it necessary to consider different aspects of federalism to fully understand the social context of a project. Third, the identification of the most salient public values linked to the roles and responsibilities of the public entity shows that for residents, the most important function of the public authority in relation to the energy transition is to inform and raise awareness. Fourth, the dissertation develops a two-dimensional participation grid based on the residents’ and project managers’ views on participation. Combining these two views allows for taking into account participatory formats that are often left out or forgotten and emphasizing others that initially might not seem as relevant. Conclusions. The four research contributions together demonstrate that an understanding of participation is only complete and inclusive when different scales and perspectives are considered. Proposing a multi-scalar and multi-perspective approach, the general findings provide critically important elements for the development of public engagement strategies for energy transition policies that fit a given context and correspond to the public’s expectations. Relying on co-productionist and transdisciplinary research, this dissertation seeks to develop analytical and practical tools to navigate this participation landscape. Contributions. The dissertation has significant conceptual implications for understandings of participation, contributes empirical insights into geothermal energy development on a local scale, and offers practical insights into the challenge of including the public while developing a new technology and providing for the appropriate institutional frameworks and policies.