Optimising Public Engagement in Energy Transitions: Eight Recommendations to Strengthen Impact Evaluation

As Europe transitions towards climate neutrality, public participation is recognised as central to achieving this ambition. Government bodies and energy infrastructure developers must implement effective public engagement strategies as Europe's energy system changes. However, there is an inherent tension between accelerating the low-carbon transition and the time needed to engage citizens in transition processes. Furthermore, what constitutes ‘effective’ in this context and how it is assessed presents a challenge given the multi-dimensional nature of impact. Our research investigated the implementation of Ireland’s transmission system operator’s evolving public engagement strategy as they redevelop their approach to support the expansion and upgrade of the network. The research highlights opportunities for various public engagement practices to support societal action and impact on the energy transition. However, across the range of engagement approaches taken in this field, a key challenge faced by organisations relates to impact evaluation. Public engagement strategies are designed to include community voices. Impact evaluation adds legitimacy and accountability to these goals, yet it is generally an underdeveloped aspect of public engagement and participation processes. Drawing on research in this space we present reflections on evaluation intended to inform wider practice and support actors in leveraging opportunities to enhance societal impact.