Can the “Social Licence to Operate” Concept Enhance Engagement and Increase Acceptance of Renewable Energy? A Case Study of Wind Farms in Australia

Abstract

Social licence to operate (SLO) is the ongoing acceptance or approval for a development that is granted by the local community and other stakeholders. From the current media and political attention on Australian wind farms, it appears that many specific wind farms, or indeed the industry as a whole, may not hold an SLO with affected stakeholders. This research was undertaken to examine whether the SLO might be a useful framework to enhance engagement and increase societal understanding of wind farms. Twenty-seven interviews across nine wind farms were conducted with stakeholders representing wind companies, local government authorities, local opposition, local support and turbine hosts. The interviews revealed a complexity of concerns that informed the stakeholders’ perspectives, including “game-changing” issues that may stand to significantly increase wind farm acceptance. The results are presented with practical steps towards the development of a preliminary working model of an SLO for Australian wind farms that addresses identified concerns. The emerging concept of SLO appears to provide a useful framework for wind farm developers to incorporate an improved model of consultation that engages local communities in ways that could enhance transparency and local support, and complement formal regulatory processes.

Keywords:

• Social Licence to Operate
• Renewable Energy
• Technology Acceptance
• Wind Farms

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Kieren Moffat and Justine Lacey for their information regarding social licences to operate in the mining sector. Thanks to Simone Carr-Cornish, Anne-Maree Dowd and Estelle Gaillard for their helpful feedback on earlier drafts.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nina Lansbury Hall

Nina Lansbury Hall is a social scientist with the Australian research agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). She specialises in community engagement and technology assessment of energy technologies and climate change information.