Renewable energy remains a top talking point, especially in North America, where public perception shapes project timelines as much as permits and grids. The winner of a recent best-film award, Rodrigo Sorogoyen, used a notable moment to spotlight the industry’s social response. Beyond public relations, energy companies are acknowledging a need for better education about the benefits of wind farms and solar parks, and they are committing to collaborate with communities to improve the social standing of these facilities. Among the ideas on the table are local neighborhood agreements that align construction requirements with community interests, aiming to create a smoother path for projects.
The challenge isn’t merely adding more bureaucracy to slow processes; it is weaving social impact assessments into project planning itself. The Environmental Impact Statement is presented as a key step to gauge how a renewable park will interact with its surroundings. A senior executive at Acciona Energía in Spain noted that the process should show social acceptance as part of a broader environmental approach. This update was discussed during the first day of the Annual Wind Congress, hosted by the Wind Business Association. It underscored how stakeholder engagement must accompany technical planning to earn a social license to operate.
The Environmental Impact Statement, or DIA, is required to pursue renewable park development in Spain, with the exact authority leaning on federal or regional bodies depending on installation size. The assessment evaluates whether a wind turbine or solar array fits a given location while considering environmental protections and natural resource management. Fernández proposed practical steps, such as a neighbor survey, to determine if the community supports or challenges the installation and to integrate those sentiments into the permitting process.
Naturgy’s general manager of Renewables, New Business and Innovation highlighted that the future of this technology hinges on social response. He warned that in the United States, the lack of social license has at times delayed permissions for park developments. Over the last five years, wind and solar capacity additions have approached 25 gigawatts of new generation, roughly half of the existing total, with plans to add more than 80 gigawatts by 2030. The emphasis on social factors reflects a broader trend toward balancing rapid energy growth with neighborhood concerns. The message from industry leaders is clear: conversations with communities are essential to unlock continued expansion.
Beatriz Mato, managing director of the renewable firm Greenalia, urged patience and proactive neighbor engagement. If developers introduce themselves early and explain their plans to become reliable, long-term neighbors, people tend to respond more favorably—even if later changes might affect the local landscape. The key is transparent intent and consistent communication, not post hoc reconciliation after construction starts.
There is a visible attempt to separate industry messaging from public debate. Some critics argue that media coverage or advocacy groups create noise that can mislead the public, while others emphasize the real ecological and economic benefits at stake. The head of the wind energy association cautioned that it is important to distinguish noise from reality and to respect community sensitivities as municipalities evaluate environmental changes. A balanced dialogue remains vital for maintaining trust and support across diverse stakeholders.
To translate social acceptance into tangible benefits, several policy options have been proposed. These include direct community gains, lower electricity prices, prioritized grid access for renewables, and targeted economic compensation. The regulatory body for markets and competition has suggested implementing mechanisms that ensure the benefits are shared locally. Industry leaders note that progress on these measures has begun in some regions, though the challenge is to scale and share the benefits broadly across countries and communities.
The consensus from industry executives is straightforward: social engagement is not optional. Stakeholders should invite all participants into the conversation, illuminate the benefits clearly, and dispel doubts with evidence. Clean energy can be a neighborly asset when approached openly, with a commitment to staying and contributing to the local area. The overarching aim is for renewable projects to become a cooperative part of the community, not a source of conflict. The conversation will continue to evolve as projects move forward and communities experience the tangible effects of renewable expansion. (Citation: Wind Industry Journal)