This text is part of the special Energy Transition section
There is generally consensus on the move to renewable energy, but the development of a new site often faces opposition.
Almost everyone agrees with the energy transition. But when the time comes to develop a green energy project, the “not in my backyard” syndrome arises and no one wants this new site near their home. So, how can we obtain the approval of the population, what is commonly called social acceptability?
“We must put citizens at the heart of the entire project strategy,” believes Julie Morin, mayor of Lac-Mégantic. The city, located in Estrie, presents itself as a showcase for the energy transition by multiplying projects. A microgrid of 2,200 solar panels installed on the roofs of several downtown buildings was inaugurated in 2021, and other initiatives are under development.
The City of Lac-Mégantic conducted a survey at the start of the project to find out what vocabulary its citizens were familiar with regarding energy transition. “The answer is they don’t know that much. We must therefore educate, talk about it often, popularize it,” explains the mayor, who admits that obtaining social acceptability is constant work.
Review the business model
According to Kim Scott, founder of the independent Indigenous consulting firm Kishk Anaquot Health Research (KAHR), social acceptability increases when the community owns the energy production system.
“When it’s 100% community-based, it’s very different from projects that are carried out by large private companies that come from elsewhere,” she says. It is more accepted because the economy benefits from green energy that is produced by and for a community. This makes it possible to create jobs, reinvest profits locally, redistribute them to community establishments, etc. »
According to Mme Scott, if a project like that of Northvolt does not meet social acceptability, it is largely because it is a big company from elsewhere and the local community has not been consulted upstream.
“No one wants to replace big oil companies with big green industries, because they are still big corporations whose interests are focused on profit and shareholders, and not on the community,” believes the one who believes that the model of Business counts for a lot in support for a project.
Kim Scott gives the example of indigenous communities, who produce nearly 20% of the country’s clean energy, whether on their own or with the help of partners. “For these projects to be done, the community must of course get on board. It is she who must determine which energy source to exploit. If I can’t take part in decisions about a project, of course I won’t want it in my backyard! »
Be attentive
In Lac-Mégantic, it was the support of Hydro-Québec that enabled the creation of the solar panel microgrid. But the desire for a more eco-responsible city comes directly from citizens. The city was marked by the 2013 train accident, which claimed the lives of 47 people. “The tragedy we experienced here was 7.7 million liters of crude oil leaking into our city center,” recalls Julie Morin. Turning to renewable energies to reduce our dependence on oil makes sense in our history. »
Explaining the benefits of a project also allows for better social acceptability, adds the mayor. The people of Mégantic have reason to be proud of the influence of their city, which is known for something other than its tragedy. Likewise, indigenous communities that shed their dependence on diesel in favor of clean energy ensure energy and financial security.
But before trying to make yourself understood, you have to listen to the community, remind Mmy Morin and Scott.
“If people speak out against a solar farm, I believe we must listen to them and understand why,” says the founder of KAHR. What are their concerns? Is it aesthetic? If so, let’s make them understand that they will be able to benefit from the project. When people feel listened to and understood, it allows us to move forward. »
Listening to your population helps reduce the disadvantages that the energy transition can cause. But Julie Morin believes that we must make the best decisions for the common good. “We cannot move forward by ignoring the people who oppose it. You have to hear them. But, at some point, when we have heard them and done everything we can to reduce the negative impacts, we have to go. »
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Dutyrelating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.