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Public Engagement in Electricity Network Development: The Case of the Beauly–Denny Project in Scotland

Tobiasson, W.; Beestermöller, C.; Jamasb, T.

Public Engagement in Electricity Network Development: The Case of the Beauly–Denny Project in Scotland Thumbnail


Authors

W. Tobiasson

C. Beestermöller

T. Jamasb



Abstract

Ambitious renewable energy targets and an aging infrastructure necessitate a substantial upgrading and expansion of the electricity networks around Europe and beyond. Although vital for the functioning of the economy and a green energy future, grid development projects are often met by public opposition, which increase costs and lead to lengthy planning processes. Therefore, understanding the social aspects of a green energy economy is becoming increasingly important. The current planning frameworks have proven ineffective at resolving conflicts among stakeholders, indicating the need for a new approach. We analyse these issues from an economic perspective, outlining the economic characteristics of transmission developments and public engagement. We identify previously overlooked features of the planning process that contribute to the rise in conflicts, public opposition and prolonged project realisation. The Scottish Beauly–Denny high voltage transmission development is discussed in detail and our findings indicate a need for better engagement with local communities at an earlier stage of planning. Trust between communities, developers and government is important for the negotiations and can be achieved through transparency, specific education and set guidelines for stakeholder engagement in the planning process.

Citation

Tobiasson, W., Beestermöller, C., & Jamasb, T. (2016). Public Engagement in Electricity Network Development: The Case of the Beauly–Denny Project in Scotland. Economia e Politica Industriale, 43(2), 105-126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40812-016-0030-0

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 28, 2016
Online Publication Date Feb 20, 2016
Publication Date Jun 1, 2016
Deposit Date Jan 31, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Economia e politica industriale.
Print ISSN 0391-2078
Electronic ISSN 1972-4977
Publisher Springer
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 43
Issue 2
Pages 105-126
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s40812-016-0030-0
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1413845

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Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2016 Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://​creativecommons.​org/​licenses/​by/​4.​0/​), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.






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