Question

For a renewable energy system, perform a stakeholder analysis. Determine which actors are impacted by the energy system and which actors will be most likely to support the installation of the energy system. Create a table and discuss the various stakeholders and defend why they are included. Which stakeholders are most likely to support the energy system? Which stakeholders are most likely to resist the energy system? Why?

Answer 1

Although the specific stakeholder groups vary between the two states, the type of groups involved in RPS implementation are the same and include utilities, PUCs, environmental advocacy groups, consumer advocacy groups, utility customers, electricity generators, and the renewable energy technology industry.

Decision makers	Stakeholders
Energy ministry or agency officials	Renewable energy project developers
Environment ministry and other relevant ministry officials	Electric utilities
Regulators	Environment, natural resource, and land-use authorities
Power system planners	Economic and social development authorities
Transmission system operators	Environment, wildlife, social , and other interest groups
	Non-governmental organizations
	Local residents and business owners

Importance of stakeholder engagement

Effectively involving stakeholders in power sector planning activities (such as the REZ process) drives the best possible outcome. Power sector planning decisions are complex. They cannot be solved by a single government agency, institution, or interest group. Even if they could be, failing to involve all affected parties in project planning will surely lead to a less successful project. By engaging various stakeholders, any power-sector project will benefit from greater communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Stakeholders can have a direct effect on the successful outcome of power-sector projects when proactively engaged via transparent and regular communications. Stakeholders have experience, advice, concerns, and valuable input that should be considered. Addressing any stakeholder concerns early in the process can help to avoid obstacles and save valuable time and money. Effective engagement incorporates this stakeholder feedback (both positive and negative) to foster ownership and legitimize decisions while simultaneously tailoring projects to specific power sector contexts—enhancing the likelihood of success (Franke, Volker and Amanda Guidero 2012; USAID 2016). .

Maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders can help gain favor for projects, safeguard potential investments, and lay the groundwork for future projects. Stakeholder engagement can also help build local technical capacity—further contributing to long-term success