Critical Factors of Effective Public Participation in Sustainable Energy Projects

Lack of public acceptance of renewable energy technology delays and impedes the attainment of new energy goals. Public participation, which aims to reduce conflicts and enhance public understanding of renewable energy technology, has not achieved the desired effect. The failure to identify critical factors guiding public participation is the main reason for ineffective participation as well as low levels of acceptance and support. This research reviewed existing studies and identified 22 factors that may affect the effectiveness of public participation in the renewable energy field. Based on the collected empirical data, data analysis methods such as exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were adopted. Seven critical factors, which are participation skills, environmental effect, justice, economic effect, power distribution, halo effect, and local culture, were identified as driving forces for effective public participation in sustainable energy projects (SEPs). The main findings of this study reveal that those seven critical factors should be taken into account when considering effective public participation in SEPs; there exists a positive relationship between relevant policies and public participation in renewable energy technology; the technical details of SEPs and the characteristics of the project location usually affect public acceptance at the design stage; and the development of SEPs should focus on the implementation process with active guidance and transparent public participation. Prospectively, this research will generate valuable insights not only into providing a theoretical framework to guide and enhance effective and efficient public participation for policy makers, but also into facilitating a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved in SEPs.