Community engagement key for renewable-energy projects

Consulting and involving the communities living at and around renewable-energy projects is essential, agreed the participants in a panel discussion on the first day of the Windaba 2024 conference, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. But it is not necessarily easy. Community participation in these projects was a key component of social justice, emphasised Presidential Climate Commission project manager Lindiwe Johnson. Procedural justice and inclusion were key principles in South Africa. Such democratic approaches empowered individuals. Engaging communities increased the transparency of projects, because community members received explanations of budgeting processes and priorities. This, in turn, helped create accountability for decision-makers. It also started the process of communities buying in to the projects.