Developing a Social License: Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia. Dr. John Colton Acadia University ICOE November 4-6 Halifax, Nova Scotia

Transcription

1 Developing a Social License: Tidal Energy Development in Nova Scotia Dr. John Colton Acadia University ICOE November 4-6 Halifax, Nova Scotia

2 Overview Stakeholder engagement and the social license Key principles supporting a social license Supporting a social license in Nova Scotia Recasting development to support a social license

3 What We Know About a Social License Enablers and barriers Key principles that support a social license Trust Reciprocity Transparency Community-based renewable energy projects often produce SOL unintentionally Small scale Community-ownership (?) Engagement practices

4 Engagement vs. Social License Meaningful stakeholder engagement It s bigger than engagement Is social license a byproduct? Developed intentionally? Engagement is a process while SOL is the outcome

5 What is a Social License? Based on perspectives of stakeholders/community Granted by community and stakeholders Intangible Dynamic and subject to change Must be earned and maintained

6 What is a Social License? A B.C. Study Very few people in BC considered themselves to be "Very well informed. British Columbians that are more informed about major projects are also more polarized in their views. "Environmental impact" is the most common reason for being opposed to local projects, and "economic benefits" is the most common reason for being in favor. A significant factor in driving public opinion is the degree to which the safety and well-being of people in the local community could be affected. Source: Triton Environmental Consultants

7 Tidal Energy is Game Changer New energy era: Reduce carbon footprint Renewable energy strategies/targets Green economies Energy production is on the front stage New development era: Community control Buy-in Community empowerment Community economic development Economic and social capital Sustainable development

8 ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT Source: Ian Thomson, Robert G. Boutilier, 2011,Modelling And Measuring The Social License To Operate: Fruits Of A Dialogue Between Theory And Practice

9 Working Toward a Social License Economic legitimacy perception that a project will provide meaningful economic benefits Socio-political legitimacy supporting quality of life and well-being in communities affected by development

10 Working Toward a Social License Interactional trust the degree to which the developer and/or government listens and keeps its promises to its stakeholders Institutionalized trust project and stakeholder organizations relations are based on an enduring regard for each other s interests

11 Supporting a Social License in Government Nova Scotia MRE Strategy COMFIT SEA s Industry Engagement strategies Academic Tidal Energy Toolkit Pathways of Effects Resource Assessment Collaborations Government Industry Academic Community Nova Scotia

12 Economic Legitimacy Community and Business Toolkit for Tidal Energy Development Value Proposition for Tidal Energy Socio-Political Legitimacy Mi kmaq Ecological Studies (MEKS) Community and Business Toolkit for Tidal Energy Development Southwest Nova Scotia Resources Assessment Interactional Trust Institutionalized Trust Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Bay of Fundy/ Cape Breton & Update Community Engagement Handbook for Tidal Energy Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA) Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) Fundy Energy Research Network (FERN)

13 The Community and Business Toolkit for Tidal Energy Development & Community Engagement

14 Series of Modules Overview of Tidal Energy Dr. Graham Daborn Measuring and Accessing Tidal Resource Dr. Richard Karsten Tidal Power Extraction Devices Sue Molloy & James Taylor Regulatory Environment for Tidal Energy Elisa Oberman Environmental Risk Assessment Lisa Issacman Stakeholder and Community Engagement Dr. John Colton Financial Evaluation and Cost of Energy Dr. Shelley MacDougall Opportunities and Strategies for Communities Alan Howell & Dr. John Colton Opportunities and Strategies for Businesses Elisa Oberman Financing, Government Supports, and Managing Risk Dr. Shelley MacDougall Assessing the Potential Economic impacts of a Five Megawatt Tidal Energy Development in the Digby Area Dr. Brian van Blarcom

15 Want to know about tidal energy?

16 What is Tidal Energy? Dr. Graham Daborn

17 Economic Legitimacy Community and Business Toolkit for Tidal Energy Development Value Proposition for Tidal Energy Socio-Political Legitimacy Mi kmaq Ecological Studies (MEKS) Community and Business Toolkit for Tidal Energy Development Southwest Nova Scotia Resource Assessment Interactional Trust Institutionalized Trust Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Bay of Fundy/ Cape Breton & Update Community Engagement Handbook for Tidal Energy Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA) Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) Fundy Energy Research Network (FERN)

18 Nova Scotia: Social License? What are key determinates of the SOL? Jobs/economy Environmental protection On-going consultation Community socio-economic opportunities To what extent has Nova Scotia earned a SOL? Earned? Maintained?

19 Thank You. Questions? Toolkit: Photo Credits: Grew Trowse Elisa Oberman Leigh MacDougall