In 2019, 2 windfarms with a capacity of 500MW were bought to be installed in La Guajira, Colombia, a place with enormous wind resource potential, with mean wind speeds of over 11 m/s, a place that would be a great example for projects that contribute to the energy transition. Right? Except that 5 years later, the wind turbines are still stored and now waiting to be sold to the highest bidder, due to the cancellation of the project after many delays and complications. One of the main reasons for this was the local indigenous communities’ resistance to the project, since they felt that they were not getting fair compensation for the installation of the turbines according to the economic benefits that they would bring to the energy company. This is only one example of many projects like this, were the needs of the local people are not being met and concerns not being heard. The energy transition will not be possible without coordination between governments and companies and a fair, organized way of obtaining social licenses.
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Interesting case you describe here. I particularly like how this outlines how seemingly good ideas may not be feasible in face of social resistance. It brings to mind an experiment in the solar radiation management community, where a field research project on SRM in the UK met so much community backlash that it was turned into a social engagement experiment. Maybe this is a potential way forward? I am slightly unclear what your research question is, so this may be a direction to go deeper.
The engagement of local communities in the energy transition is a relevant and well-chosen case for a poster on “Researching and Shaping Climate Futures”. Please provide references for the numbers you have included in your text as well as for the analysis that it is the resistance of local communities that delays the project. Is this the only position on this case? Will it be possible to research the different perspectives of those involved (and of those not involved) in the project for the poster?
This is an interesting and suitable topic with a very good case example. Only with the support of the people, mitigation and adaptation strategies can be sustainable. It appears important to think about and conduct research about best ways how to involve local people and communities in the planning of energy system transition projects. A poster could address both socio-economic research questions and communication and implementation startegies.
Thank you for sharing this eye opening example. Social license is indeed not a box to tick, but an ongoing, collaborative process. The situation in La Guajira is a reminder of an exact example given in a block course I took this semester, that science can be successful if there is an effective stakeholder participation and the values are also taken into consideration.
It is worth noting that, even the most promising renewable energy projects can falter if the needs and voices of local communities are not taken into consideration. Despite La Guajira’s world-class wind resources and Colombia’s ambitious energy transition goals, the Wayuu people’s concerns about fair compensation, cultural impacts, and lack of meaningful consultation led to resistance that ultimately stalled the projects.
This isn’t just a local issue, it reflects a global pattern where the push for decarbonization runs into social and cultural realities.
As your post highlights, the energy transition can only succeed if governments and companies work in true partnership with local communities, ensuring fairness, benefit sharing, and respect for cultural values. Without this, projects risk delays, cancellations, and deepening mistrust
Unfortunately, for me, the class has ended, however, I look forward to your poster on how objectivity, values and stakeholder participation can improve science and the implementation of science projects.