Understanding cultural and social values shaping renewable energy decisions
This project explores how renewable energy planning can better integrate biodiversity and community priorities through genuine collaboration. By learning from grassroots organisations and Traditional Owners, the team is developing practical guidelines for more inclusive, nature-positive energy transitions.
Research Cluster
Research partners
Australian Conservation Foundation, University of Queensland
Project team
Dr Rachel Morgain, Stephanie Chen; Joliette Cooper-Booth, Christian Miller-Sabbioni
Contact
Project Summary
Led by Rachel Morgain, the project team aims to address the wicked problems of community resistance that can arise in renewable energy planning processes when social, cultural, political and ecological conflicts are not adequately addressed.
The goals of our project
Institute researchers Stephanie Chen, Christian Miller-Sabbioni and Joliette Cooper-Booth have interviewed dozens of Indigenous and local grassroots organisations working on net-zero developments that integrate biodiversity and the priorities of local communities and Traditional Owners.
The project report provides a systematic look at good practices for linking biodiversity data and inclusive planning for renewable energy projects. Our report highlights case studies and networks of community groups that are ready to be engaged with by state agencies, renewable energy businesses and other large actors.
Outcomes/activities
Key findings show that close collaborations between grassroots groups and institutional actors are necessary for making accurate and inclusive decisions about biodiversity in renewable energy projects.
Crucially, our guidelines can be used by Indigenous leaders, community project facilitators, developers and governments to support the effective integration of biodiversity tools and data, including the biodiversity risk analysis tool, with local knowledge and with community participatory decision-making processes.