Turning Renewable Energy Ambitions into Successful Projects: A Study of How Communication can be Improved in the Wave Power Sector.

Abstract

The purpose of the dissertation was to research how to improve communication between marine renewable energy developers and the stakeholders involved in their development. The process was qualitative and involved analysing publications by the government and organisations with a stake in the marine realm. Interviews with stakeholders and a wave power developer, Aquamarine Power, were conducted. Results showed that there were changes and improvements that could be made by the marine renewable energy developers, the government, stakeholder organisations and communities to improve the communication process. These included, for marine renewable energy developers; innovative identification and engagement methods, a comprehensive stakeholder interaction matrix, a clear and comprehensive plan, improved documents and an electronic based forum. For stakeholder organisations; the responsibility to be communicative, the right attitude, detailed publications and resolutions are to be sought for. For the government; to provide leadership, to take responsibility, to develop wave power knowledge, to care for multiple interests and the utilisation of maps. For communities; to follow the principle of good communication, to hire someone to read and describe documents, to form community organisations and to understand the benefits. Some of these recommendations overlap and are applicable to all four groups. Other recommendations for all the actors include recognising the threat of climate change, appreciating the youth of the industry, that many people are involved and affected and the fundamentals of communication should be adhered to, e.g. openness and flexibility. If these recommendations are achieved communication can become more effective.