Trust in transition: unpacking the significance of social licence and community consent in renewable energy projects in Taiwan and Iran

The shift towards renewable energy, crucial for addressing climate change and sustainability, requires more than technological innovation: it demands social acceptance and approval. This research focuses on social licence and community consent within energy transitions, using Taiwan and Iran as case studies to highlight how cultural, economic, and political factors influence these processes. The study employs mixed methods to examine how these contexts impact social acceptance and the granting of social licence. It concludes that strategies for obtaining social licence must be finely tuned to local contexts, necessitating ongoing stakeholder engagement, cultural sensitivity, and adaptive project management. Acknowledging the complexity and dynamic nature of social licence, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers, developers, and community leaders, emphasizing the importance of integrating community consent throughout project lifecycles. It also identifies potential barriers and opportunities in achieving a sustainable energy future that is economically viable, socially equitable, and environmentally responsible.