Public perceptions of geothermal projects: New ways of measuring and monitoring local acceptance and social impacts

Abstract

For a successful energy transition, deployment of renewable energy sources like geothermal and others is a fundamental step towards a sustainable power and heat production. In this context, public acceptance towards the respective energy projects is a crucial factor for both the number of realized projects and the speed of their realization. Based on the empirical work, the paper discusses the factors relevant for the acceptance of geothermal projects and provides an insight into new approaches for measuring acceptance and social impacts connected with geothermal projects within the conceptual frame of social license to operate. The presented approach serves as a guiding tool for public engagement as well as an instrument for monitoring acceptance and social impacts. Therefore, the paper feeds both the scientific discourse and the practical application.

Keywords

• public acceptance
• social license to operate
• public engagement
• monitoring tool