The Importance of Community Engagement in Marine Renewable Energy Decision Making

Emily Wordleyalderney

Thursday, July 27th

12:30-1:30 pm

EOW 430 

 

Issues addressed include:

  • Impact of public support for future local Marine Renewable Energy development.
  • Impact of ‘trust’ on support for local Marine Renewable Energy developments.
  • Power dynamics within small island communities, the impact on local decision making and the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
  • Recommendations for community engagement in Marine Renewable Energy decision-making.

Emily has undertaken a case study-based research approach, focusing on community engagement with tidal proposals on Alderney, Channel Islands. As part of her research, she has conducted interviews with Marine Renewable Energy stakeholders (i.e., community members, Marine Renewable Energy developers and local government representatives) alongside ethnographic fieldwork.

Emily will also discuss her collaborative research with IESVic/PRIMED, as a visiting researcher this July as part of her Scholarship with the Turing Scheme UK.

Academic Background:

  • BSc in Ecology and Environmental Biology from the University of Leeds.
  • MSc in Marine Environmental Management from the University of York.
  • (Current) PhD Researcher in Marine Renewable Energy and Community Engagement at the University of Huddersfield.