Renewables, European Commission provides new tools to involve citizens and local communities

The European Commission has introduced new tools to strengthen public participation and social acceptance of renewable energy projects, while supporting the faster deployment of clean energy across the European Union.

Also available in Italian  

Increasing the involvement of citizens and local communities in renewable energy development, reducing conflicts and facilitating the deployment of new projects are among the objectives of new initiatives presented by the European Commission as part of the EU framework to accelerate renewable energy deployment.

Among the resources made available is a new toolkit on public participation and social acceptance of renewable energy projects, designed to support national and local authorities, project developers and other stakeholders involved in energy planning.

Community involvement is increasingly considered an important part of accelerating the energy transition. Providing information and ensuring consultation and public participation throughout the different stages of a project can help strengthen social acceptance and prevent or reduce conflicts at local level.

The initiative is part of the European Union’s broader efforts to simplify and speed up permitting procedures and achieve its renewable energy targets for 2030.

The Commission has also made available new studies and tools addressing the siting of renewable energy projects, Renewable Acceleration Areas and the development of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), long-term contracts for the purchase of renewable electricity.

The aim is to create more favourable conditions for investment while ensuring that the expansion of renewable energy is supported by effective planning that takes into account local characteristics and the involvement of affected communities.