Identifying convergences and divergences of social and technical considerations for the development of marine energy policy

Increasing social acceptance of marine energy is a critical socio-political priority in the renewable energy sector. Policy adoption relies not only on social acceptance but also on how stakeholders conceptualize marine energy within cultural, economic, environmental, and social contexts. However, there is limited understanding of these conceptualizations, particularly in regions where marine energy is still emerging. Given its nascent stage, capturing these initial perspectives is essential for designing policies that align with stakeholder needs. This study uses a qualitative approach to examine how three stakeholder groups in North Carolina, a region where marine energy development is in its infancy, conceptualize its introduction. Our findings reveal four key themes highlighting differences in stakeholder knowledge, interpretation, and perceptions of risks and benefits. Importantly, these interpretations are interconnected rather than discrete, underscoring the need for policy frameworks that account for diverse stakeholder perspectives while recognizing that these views will evolve over time. As marine energy progresses from conceptualization to deployment, policies must remain adaptive and responsive to shifting public understanding, socio-economic changes, and environmental considerations. By integrating these insights, energy policy can facilitate the responsible and socially responsive deployment of marine energy.