Reply To: Social acceptability of biogas and RNG Projects

  • Hatem

    Member
    26 May 2025 at 10:30 am

    I agree Ryan !

    Social acceptability is vital to the long-term success of any biogas project—and it comes down to two key pillars: education and engagement.

    During development, it’s essential to involve communities early, not just to inform, but to listen !!
    People need to understand what biogas is, the local issues it addresses, and how concerns like odor, safety, or visual impacts are being managed with proven solutions.

    It’s also important to acknowledge that many potential Stakeholders may be uneasy about the financial implications of new infrastructure—fearing costs, risks, or long-term consequences. These concerns are valid and must be addressed with clear, balanced information about both the advantages and limitations of renewable natural gas (RNG) projects. Transparency builds credibility.

    While some hesitation exists around early outreach before permitting, waiting too long can backfire—communities often feel projects are being presented as a done deal. Successful projects maintain engagement well beyond commissioning, becoming trusted community members through ongoing education and participation in local life.

    I noticed that at the core, people care deeply about their environment and their community’s well-being. They understand that Anaerobic Digestion offers more than clean energy—it tackles waste, recycles nutrients, and can support local resilience when introduced openly and collaboratively.