Community perceptions of hybrid solar biomass: the potential for social license and social acceptance

Posted on 26 Jan 2021
Updated on 26 Jan 2021
2-minute read

Finding out communities' attitudes towards biomass will help to plan renewable energy innovations in the Riverina and Hunter Valley regions.

RESEARCH OUTPUTS

Two men and one woman having a discussion in a field at sunset

Biomass, renewable organic material that comes from plants and animals (such as agricultural waste materials, or animal manure) is an essential part of any green energy system.

When assessing the feasibility of distributed renewable energy systems, especially for conversion processes utilising local sources of biomass, it is important to consider community perceptions around such new technology.

Communities of place may perceive material barriers and opportunities – or may indeed have moral reservations. Communities of interest may not be directly affected by, or benefit from, the proposed new technologies, but may still hold considered views about them.

Case studies investigating community perceptions can inform the ‘social license to operate’ renewable energy technologies such as hybrid solar mass. A social license is of importance for prospective companies, as well as the government agencies fostering technological innovation and business uptake.

For this project, ISF researchers will perform case study research for two communities of place – Griffith, NSW and Hunter Valley NSW – and one community of interest to support proposals for renewable energy operations in these areas.

Biomass for Bioenergy Project (Website)