Public acceptance of infrastructure projects
The advantages deriving from the connection of energy networks within the EU are well known: electricity is guaranteed even in emergencies, for families, hospitals, production systems, transport, etc. and other sources of energy (oil, gas and coal) could reach all countries.
Furthermore, if the EU is to achieve the very ambitious objectives of the Green Deal, it will have to integrate renewable sources throughout the European electricity grid, as renewable energies are intermittent.
If the South produces more solar energy, the East more biomass and Northern Europe more wind energy, a smart management of these sources is needed, in order to guarantee a supply that is as regular and functional as possible to the levels of consumption throughout the day.
To this end, the EU finances Projects of Common Interest (PCI), cross-border projects to connect national energy networks. Often, large projects and public support is important. Projects could be complex, crossing several jurisdictions and affecting several communities. Although PCIs bring important benefits by increasing the security of supply, ensuring price convergence across regions and integrating large shares of renewables, these benefits are not always visible and can therefore trigger concerns and opposition.
Delays in the construction of these key projects mean that the benefits are not delivered to our economies and societies, slowing the speed of the energy transition. Moreover, lack of necessary infrastructure negatively affects households and citizens across Europe.
If you want to know which PCIs could affect your region, consult this interactive Map:
Read also about a few PCI examples on electricity, gas or smart grids.
Local awareness campaigns
To build local support for a PCI, it is crucial to inform citizens about the need for that project, what are the alternatives considered and the benefits the project will bring to their communities. It is equally important to communicate in a transparent manner about the impact the new energy infrastructure might have at the local level and economy and the different measures taken to ease such impact. Organising regular communication and engagement campaigns before the start of a project will address concerns, increase trust in the process and acceptance by potentially allowing for collaborative solutions on the ground.
In its efforts to support transparency and consultation with local communities and stakeholders during the implementation of PCIs, the European Commission developed in 2021 new communication material that can support promoters to carry out local communication initiatives.
It includes:
- Engagement book – support material for PCI project promoters (EN)
- Animated video – explaining PCIs (EN)
- Poster - for print (EN)
- On-line brochure (EN)
- On-line factsheet - questions and answers (EN)
In addition, the Commission has prepared a PCI promoters toolkit with material that can be adapted to the needs of local promoters, by translating the messages, adding logos or illustrations.
The editable toolkit includes:
- PowerPoint slides
- 2 poster templates
The promoters’ toolkit can be requested by sending a message to: [email protected]
Documents
- Policy handbook: Why Europe needs to Modernise its energy infrastructure (Nov. 2017)
- Infographic: Energy is at the heart of our lives and our economy (Nov. 2017)
- Consumer leaflet: Energy grid interconnections in Europe (Nov. 2017)