Building a Just and Inclusive Future for Large-Scale Solar: Reflections from the CAREsolar Workshop in Zurich

On February 3rd, a diverse group of experts from academia, finance, and civil society gathered at ETH Zurich for an interactive workshop on the socio-ecological impacts and community acceptance of large-scale solar projects. Hosted by the CAREsolar initiative, the event aimed to develop a comprehensive framework that integrates energy justice and social acceptance into solar deployment strategies.

The discussions underscored a critical challenge: while renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change, large-scale solar projects often face local opposition. Traditional explanations, such as the widely used NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) concept, are increasingly seen as insufficient. Instead, workshop participants explored emerging frameworks that emphasize justice in decision-making, highlighting the role of community engagement, fair benefit distribution, and participatory planning.

What made this workshop particularly engaging was its small and highly interactive format, which allowed for in-depth dialogue and collaboration. Participants shared insights from Switzerland, Portugal, and beyond, identifying best practices and challenges in designing solar projects that are both effective and socially accepted. A key outcome was the collective decision to continue these conversations in a joint paper or policy brief, ensuring that the insights gained will inform future research and practice.