What is it about?
In this article, we analyse what communities think and feel about renewable energy projects. We review studies from different parts of the world to identify patterns, beliefs, concerns, and factors that influence whether people accept or reject these initiatives. Our aim was to show that the success of a project does not depend solely on the technology, but also on listening to and understanding the people who will live with it, so that energy solutions are truly sustainable and beneficial for everyone.
Featured Image
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This research is important because it addresses an aspect often overlooked in renewable energy projects: how community perceptions, beliefs, and levels of acceptance directly influence their viability and sustainability. Its uniqueness lies in not focusing on technology or engineering, but on the social and cultural dimension, mapping studies at a global level to identify patterns, barriers, and opportunities in the interaction between projects and communities. The distinctive approach lies in recognising that the success of these initiatives depends not only on natural resources or technical innovation, but also on understanding and respecting worldviews, contexts, and local dynamics. This provides unique value by offering a knowledge base that enables the design of more inclusive, accepted, and long lasting projects, making a real contribution to a sustainable energy transition.
Perspectives
Writing this article was an eye-opening experience because it gave me the chance to look beyond the technical aspects of renewable energy and focus on the human side of the transition. Working with my co-authors to explore community perceptions and beliefs reminded me that the most advanced technology can still fail if it does not resonate with the people it is meant to serve. For me, the most valuable part was discovering the diversity of experiences and viewpoints across different cultures, and how these can shape the success or failure of a project. I hope this work encourages others to see community engagement not as an afterthought, but as a central pillar of any sustainable energy initiative.
Dr. Ramon Fernando Colmenares Quintero
Fundación Berstic and Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Community perceptions, beliefs and acceptability of renewable energies projects: A systematic mapping study, Cogent Psychology, January 2020, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2020.1715534.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
