Energy Transitions podcast: Navigating stakeholder resistance in US energy projects

In the US, one of the leading factors causing energy project delays and cancellations is community pushback, and opposition is more organised, vocal, and impactful than ever before.

So how can developers mitigate this risk factor, and what strategies are most effective in the current US energy landscape, which can be both polarised and politicised?

Pamela Largue speaks to John Lacey, Senior Vice President and Director of Public Affairs at US-based communications firm Mower Agency, about why it's critical to build trust with communities and customers.

Ultimately, according to Lacey, trust and human connection are core ingredients to ensuring energy infrastructure projects can be built at the speed and scale required, while ensuring people remain at the heart of the energy transition.

In this episode, you will learn more about:

• The current state of US energy policy and the impact of recent changes on developers;
• Whether there is any political consensus on infrastructure development;
• What community opposition to power projects looks like and why it happens;
• Understanding the NIMBY mindset and mitigating it through earning trust;
• The importance of tailoring communication strategies to communities and technology types;
• Prioritising relevance over green messaging;
• The link between building trust and protecting the bottom line.

LISTEN NOW

Listen to previous episodes:
The rise of next-gen solar thermal technology
Why the UK power sector needs more female leaders
Advancing e-mobility through electric road innovation

More about the US energy transition:
Iberdrola appoints US business chief Pedro Azagra as group CEO
WEC’s Wilkinson warns Europe to not develop global ‘blind spot’ because of Trump
Preparing for AI & ML: Bridging the utilities skills gap