Social License to Operate: Embracing Energy Justice
摘要
This chapter explores how energy justice principles—distributive, procedural, recognition, and restorative—can facilitate the attainment and sustainability of a Social License to Operate (SLO). These principles address fairness in decision-making, benefit distribution, community engagement, and rectification of past injustices, thereby fostering trust and aligning energy initiatives with community needs. Common sources of local opposition include environmental concerns, neglect of Indigenous rights, inadequate consultation processes, and perceived inequities in benefit distribution, all of which are deeply rooted in energy justice issues. Community opposition and resistance to energy projects present significant challenges for industry stakeholders, often resulting in delays and financial burdens that threaten project viability. In the context of the energy transition, achieving an SLO through the lens of energy justice principles is vital for ensuring just and inclusive progress. By incorporating energy justice principles, industry stakeholders can enhance transparency, build equitable partnerships, and mitigate conflicts, ensuring that local communities are actively involved and fairly represented. This approach not only addresses historical and ongoing injustices but also strengthens the legitimacy and sustainability of energy projects. Ultimately, advancing SLO through energy justice is not only an ethical imperative but also a strategic necessity for achieving sustainable and socially inclusive energy transitions in contemporary socio-ecological contexts.