Socially Responsible Renewable Energy Development

Short Course on Community Engagement and Benefit Sharing in Renewable Energy Projects

Course Background

Rapid renewable energy development requires genuine community support to succeed. Without a social license, even technically sound projects face hurdles that can hinder growth and benefits to local communities. This short course equips renewable energy practitioners with skills and strategies to build social license, implement effective community engagement, and ensure equitable benefit-sharing.

Course Objectives

Integrate key social considerations throughout renewable energy project development

Identify effective community engagement and benefit-sharing strategies

Apply engagement strategies to unique social contexts

Analyze developer approaches impacting social license

Reflect on applying these strategies in professional or personal initiatives

What You Will Learn

Concept of social license and fundamental engagement principles

Understanding diverse social contexts and stakeholder mapping

Designing, implementing, and evaluating engagement plans

Engaging respectfully with Indigenous communities, including FPIC and cultural protocols

Benefit-sharing concepts and practical implementation

Legal and financial co-investment and co-ownership models

Partnerships for local economic development, procurement, and employment

Complaint management and navigating challenging community relations

Duration and Program

This is a two-week online course featuring theoretical sessions, practical exercises, and guest presenters from the industry. Detailed schedules and session activities will be provided upon registration.

Target Participants

Renewable energy project developers

Project managers

Community engagement professionals

Individuals seeking expertise in socially responsible renewable energy development

Training Modules

ModuleDetailsUnderstanding Social License + Engagement PrinciplesDefining social license, factors influencing acceptance, ethics, early and continuous engagementGaining Strategic Knowledge of the Social ContextSocial impact assessment, stakeholder mapping, community values, demographics, local governanceDeveloping Effective Community Engagement Plans + EvaluationEngagement plan elements, communication, consultation, feedback, monitoring, adaptive managementEngaging with Indigenous CommunitiesFPIC, cultural protocols, traditional land rights, partnership models, case studiesBenefit Sharing Concepts + OptionsDirect vs. indirect benefits, financial models, non-financial benefits, community funds, equity participationLegal + Financial Models of Co-investment + Co-ownershipLegal frameworks, joint ventures, cooperatives, financial structuring, risk/reward sharingForming Partnerships for Local Economic DevelopmentLocal procurement, employment, skills development, long-term legacy initiativesEffective Complaint Management + Handling Tricky SituationsGrievance mechanisms, conflict resolution, de-escalation, expectation management, transparency

Training Style

PowerPoint presentations, lectures, case studies, breakout sessions, field visits, and interactive discussions. Guest speakers join both in person and online to provide real-world insights. Group discussions and plenary sessions ensure practical learning alongside theory.

General Notes

Training manuals and additional reference materials provided

Certificate awarded upon successful completion

Tailor-made courses available upon request

Contact: info@ecasiafrica.org