Managing stakeholder conflicts over energy infrastructure : case studies from New England's energy transition

Abstract

Large-scale energy infrastructure projects often spark controversy over possible negative impacts on the environment, the local economy, or abutting properties. The transition to clean energy is exacerbating these conflicts, since it requires a substantial build-out of new energy infrastructure. In this thesis, I use a case study analysis of recent electricity transmission and offshore wind projects in New England to examine the key sources of stakeholder opposition and the impact of stakeholder conflicts on project outcomes. My four cases include both successful and failed projects: Hydro- Québec Phase I/II, Northern Pass, Cape Wind, and Vineyard Wind. Drawing on stakeholder interviews, public records, and media reports, I find that stakeholder conflicts contributed heavily to failed projects and played an important part in shaping the successful cases. The most common triggers of stakeholder opposition in these cases are visual and environmental impacts, concerns of competing industries, inter-state tensions, and efforts to exercise financial and political influence. I evaluate the factors that contribute to successful projects and offer recommendations for energy developers, policymakers, and regulators who want to make the energy facility siting process in New England more consensus-oriented, with the goal of helping the region accelerate its transition to clean energy. Keywords: siting, energy policy, public opposition, consensus-building, stakeholder engagement, electric transmission lines, offshore wind, New England.