Understanding Social Acceptance of Geothermal Energy: A Case Study from Mt. Lawu, Indonesia (original) (raw)
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International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 2022
The Indonesian government is pushing for an increase in the development of geothermal power plants. West Sumatra is one of twenty provinces in Indonesia that have geothermal potential. The government has given the company permission to develop geothermal potential in two districts in West Sumatra. Phase I development has been successfully carried out in South Solok Regency, while Solok Regency has experienced problems. Social acceptance is one of the determining factors for the success of the project development. This article aims to look at the perspectives of stakeholders around the geothermal field, and analyze the social acceptance of a geothermal power plant project in West Sumatra. This research uses case study research method. Data collection is done by interview, observation, and document studies (such as Environmental Impact Assessment documents, government regulations on geothermal, and local media news). The results show that there are variations in stakeholder perspectives regarding geothermal power plants. Public acceptance of the geothermal power plant in South Solok Regency is relatively good because the company positions the surrounding community as partners. Social acceptance at the project site in Solok Regency was relatively weak and there was a resistance movement. Socio-political acceptance (by various stakeholders such as the Provincial Government, Regency Government, Nagari Government, and Regional House of Representatives) tends to be substantial due to the multiplier effect of development. This study has limitations in looking at the dynamics of local politics, which are the determinants of support, and the readiness of the Regional Government to face the rejection phenomenon at the local level. This is an input for further research, because in this study it was found that social acceptance requires the support and readiness of the Regional Government. So that the rejection by the local community can be resolved, so that the extraction of electrical energy goes according to the government's target, and the rights of the local community in the project site area are fulfilled.
Knowledge of Local Communities Affected by the Development of Geothermal Energy
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2020
Geothermal, in global discourse, is approved as renewable and environmentally friendly energy. This has made rapid developments in recent years, one of which is in Indonesia. Even so, this discourse was not well explored for the local community. Thus, they do not get the correct information about this energy. This research aims to study people’s perceptions about the development of geothermal energy. This research is a case study in Pauh Duo Subdistrict, Solok Selatan Regency, Indonesia, where the MuaraLaboh geothermal power plant was developed. We use descriptive quantitative methods and are supported by survey methods to get people’s opinions about the development of geothermal energy. The results show the fact that people still have limited knowledge about geothermal energy. This is caused by the lack of socialization by the government or companies regarding geothermal energy.
Forest and Society, 2021
Geothermal is one of the new renewable energy, which is more environmentally friendly than the existing fossil energy and has great potential to become an alternative source of energy in the future. However, the level of social acceptance of geothermal power plants operating in forest areas has not been widely studied. This study aims to reveal the social acceptance of affected residents toward the exploration of Baturaden geothermal power plant, operating in the protection forest area of Mount Slamet. The survey was conducted online to indirectly affected residents living mostly in Banyumas urban areas, while the offline face-to-face survey was administered to the directly affected residents in Sambirata and Karang Tengah villages. A total of 286 samples were analyzed. It was found that the majority of respondents preferred not to continue the establishment of the geothermal power plant, but both rural and urban dwellers have distinctive responses and reasonings. The rural tende...
Towards social acceptance of geothermal energy power plants
2019
Social acceptance is practically a prerequisite for the promotion and successful implementation of geothermal power production projects. Achieving social acceptance can empower trust between the developers/ operators and the local communities, reduce costly reactions/ conflicts/ time delays and strengthen companies' acceptance in relation to the implementation of the project. In order to achieve social acceptance, it is required to guarantee that local communities agree with the implementation of the project. The present study aims to present a framework including the best practices related to achieving social acceptance of geothermal power plant projects, taking into account all the work presented so far worldwide. The three pillars of this framework are a) engagement, b) prevention of drastic changes to the existing conditions and c) provision of benefits to the local communities.
Social considerations in geothermal development in Indonesia
2016
Presented at “SDG Short Course I on Sustainability and Environmental Management of Geothermal Resource Utilization and the Role of Geothermal in Combating Climate Change”, organized by UNU-GTP and LaGeo, in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, September 4-10, 2016.
Understanding social acceptance of geothermal energy: Case study for Araucanía region, Chile
Geothermics, 2018
This research aims to explore public views and social attitudes toward the use of geothermal energy as a heating and electricity source in an area where the geothermal energy production technology has yet to be widely introduced. This case study focuses on the community that surrounds the Villarrica Volcano in the Araucania region of Chile. This area is considered to be one of the six high enthalpy geothermal zones in the Chilean Andes with the highest potential for geothermal energy production but actual production is nearly non-existent. Taking a risk communication approach, this research includes in-depth semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders. It suggests that there is a low level of understanding of the technology involved in geothermal energy production, and it highlights social barriers such as lack of trust, spiritual relationship to volcanoes, and uncertainty about environmental impact as factors that affect risk and public perception.
E3S Web of Conferences, 2019
The development of renewable energy is an important step to reduce dependence on fossil energy. Geothermal energy is one source of renewable energy in Indonesia. However, when a geothermal project is not managed properly, the social political and cultural conditions of the community can be a failure factor in geothermal development. Through mix methods, this research undertakes social mapping in the project of Mount Ungaran as one of the geothermal development sites. Socially the people in the project area typically are rural communities where the role of informal leaders is very influential. There are a number of communities and non-governmental organizations that disagree with the development plan due to environmental, cultural and economic damage concerns. Yet, political support was obtained from the regional government and village government.
Social Acceptance of Geothermal Energy Through Tourism and Balneology
2015
It is well known that Hungary, Australia and Colorado (U.S.) all have excellent geothermal potential. In Hungary, the most important tourist attractions are geothermal spas. Thermal water is widely used not just for well-being, but for medical treatments as well. These thermal waters are highly appreciated by the entire nation. Although Australia certainly has solar collectors and spas, most Australians know little about balneology and the health aspect of thermal waters. In Colorado, by contrast, hot springs are a thriving part of the state's tourism industry, although less important to the average Coloradan. Our article aims to show how geothermal energy usage became part of Hungarians' everyday life and part of their culture. In the process, we would like to show how social acceptance of geothermal is based on its direct use and accessibility. These considerations may also shed some light on how geothermal use could be encouraged in Australia and further developed in Colo...
The Role of Social License to Operate in Geothermal Energy Power Plants Development in Indonesia
Forum of International Development Studies, 2023
Social license to operate (SLO) is a concept that was initially coined in the 1990s as a metaphor to indicate that approval from the local community is crucial in the extractive industry apart from the legal licenses. In Indonesia, the local community is the biggest non-technical challenge in developing geothermal resources. In response to these challenges, this paper aims to analyze the influential elements in obtaining an SLO. The empirical analysis is based on a qualitative method comparing two geothermal power plant development projects in Indonesia with different outcomes to test the hypotheses defined in the study. Exploring why the two cases obtained unprecedented community support, this paper argues that these two companies have different approaches to communities affected by geothermal development projects. In particular, this study highlights the importance of building trust with local communities by implementing the four vital elements to achieve and maintain an SLO. Continuing the dialogue between theory and practice, the results obtained in this study are expected to contribute to the study of SLO in geothermal power development and broader extractive industries. This research discloses aspects previously less focused on the approaches of development companies, which make a significant difference in SLO.
Geothermal technology in Australia: Investigating social acceptance
Energy Policy, 2011
Issues of social acceptance, such as lack of awareness and negative community perceptions and reactions, can affect low emission energy technology development, despite general support observed for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Negative community reactions and lack of understanding have affected geothermal developments, as demonstrated by the fearful community reactions and negative media experienced in response to seismic disturbances caused by “hot rock” geothermal energy generation in Switzerland and Germany. Focusing on geothermal energy, this paper presents the results of using a participatory action research methodology to engage diverse groups within the Australian public. A key finding is that the majority of the Australian public report limited the knowledge or understanding of geothermal technology and have various concerns including water usage and seismic activity instigated by geothermal drilling. However, geothermal energy receives general support due to a common trend to champion renewable energy sources in preference to traditional forms of energy generation and controversial technologies. This paper also demonstrates the effectiveness of using an engagement process to explore public understanding of energy technologies in the context of climate change, and suggests a way forward for governments and industry to allocate resources for greatest impact when communicating about geothermal technology.► Majority of Australians have limited knowledge or understanding of geothermal technology. ► Various concerns, including water usage and seismic activity instigated by drilling, were raised. ► Geothermal energy has general support due to a common trend to champion renewable energy sources. ► Methodology shows the effectiveness of an engagement process to explore public understanding. ► Participants expressed intention to change behaviours, which can be a catalyst for change.