Towards a New Methodology for Creating Societal Acceptance of New Energy Project

This paper presents the first results of a European research project, Create Acceptance (CA) 2 , whose aim is to propose a methodology for creating societal acceptance of new energy projects. Two major inputs are at the basis of this CA methodology: the tool developed within a prior European project (Socrobust), then revised by the CA team 3 and the analysis of 25 past energy projects in Europe, whose meta analysis was finalised to put into evidence common critical issues in societal acceptance building (see also work package 2 on the web site of the CA project). The frame to compile and analyze the cases is based on the socio-technical transition theory and recent sociological research on public participation in science and technology. The CA team develop a new six-step methodology for improving societal acceptance of new energy projects, which is here shortly presented. This methodology is currently explored, used and reflected upon in five projects in Europe by CA teams: a German biomass project, an Italian thermodynamic solar project (Archimede), an Icelandic hydrogen project, a Dutch CCS project and a Hungarian wind project. Materials and information on the CA project can be found on the web site (www.createacceptance.net).