Ensuring The Social License For Wind Projects In Latin America

Overview

Latin America is at a critical juncture in its renewable energy journey, with vast potential to harness its abundant wind resources to drive economic growth, reduce carbon emissions, and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This policy paper is aimed at guiding policymakers and stakeholders across the region, offering insights and strategies rooted in local experiences and best practices to overcome the barriers that currently hinder the expansion of wind energy.

To fully realise the potential of wind energy in Latin America, it is essential to secure broad social acceptance by addressing the concerns of local communities and ensuring their meaningful, long-term involvement in the development process. Transparent, inclusive, and culturally sensitive engagement with local populations is critical to securing the social license for these renewable energy projects. Policymakers must prioritise the following:

Key Recommendations

Streamline permitting processes

Ensure that renewable energy projects, particularly wind energy, can efficiently and promptly secure licenses and permits through accurate, objective, and simplified procedures.

Prioritise public interest of wind energy projects and equitable benefit-sharing

Policymakers must ensure that the socioeconomic benefits of these projects are equitably distributed among all affected communities. By fostering trust and delivering tangible benefits Latin America can transition to a sustainable energy future that serves all.

Build and maintain trust

Early, active and continuous engagement with local communities, underpinned by transparent communication and fair compensation, is essential for the long-term success of wind energy projects.

By focusing on these areas, Latin American governments can create an enabling environment that accelerates wind energy deployment, promotes shared prosperity, and ensures that local communities are central to the region’s energy transition.