Public Consultation Quality in Renewable-Energy Permitting

Abstract

Background: Public Consultation Quality in Renewable-Energy Permitting has become a practical governance concern because differences in institutional design and administrative capacity can shape how policy is applied in practice.

Objective: This study assessed the implementation of public consultation, focusing on consistency, institutional conditions, and outcomes in relation to renewable energy.

Methods: The study surveyed 687 relevant officials, professionals, service users, or regulated actors. Questionnaire items covered implementation quality, capacity, procedural clarity, transparency, and perceived effectiveness; associations with implementation outcomes were assessed descriptively and with multivariable regression.

Results: For public consultation, 675 complete responses were available for analysis. Consistent implementation was reported by 52%, whereas 29% identified material procedural or capacity barriers. After adjustment for organization size and jurisdiction, clearer roles, stronger staff capability, and access to formal guidance remained positively associated with implementation quality.

Conclusion: The evidence on public consultation shows that policy design and administrative execution cannot be separated. Accordingly, local climate governance needs clear mandates and administrative capacity if policy commitments are to produce timely, consistent action.

Study design: content analysis and stakeholder survey.

Publication history: Originally published in print on 15 June 2023, Volume 3, Article 8. Online abstract record added on 16 September 2026. Full-text PDF will be added when the digital galley is ready.