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Identifying Factors Influencing Local Acceptance of Renewable Energy Projects: A Systematic Review

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  • Hazirah H. Zaharuddin

    (Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan)

  • Vani N. Alviani

    (Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan)

  • Mazlina A. Majid

    (Faculty of Computing, College of Computing and Applied Sciences, University Malaysia Pahang Sultan Abdullah, Pekan 26600, PH, Malaysia)

  • Hiromi Kubota

    (Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan)

  • Noriyoshi Tsuchiya

    (Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
    National Institute of Technology, Hachinohe College, Aomori, Hachinohe 039-1192, Japan)

Abstract

Renewable energy projects are critical for sustainable development, yet their success often hinges on local community acceptance. This study refines the Community Acceptance Framework to classify and better understand the social and behavioral factors that shape community responses to renewable energy projects. To support the reclassification, we draw selectively on three psychological concepts to refine definition and streamline categories. Based on a systematic review of 212 studies, we identified 29 influencing factors and categorized them into a seven-dimensional framework: social, economic, environmental, political, process, project details, and temporal. The findings reveal that financial capital, which reflects economic gains, emerges as the most frequently cited factor influencing local acceptance. However, when viewed dimensionally, the social dimension encompassing factors such as social capital, cognitive response, and cultural capital accounts for the largest share of influencing factors. Additionally, the often-overlooked political and temporal dimensions highlight the importance of governance quality and timely community engagement. While the framework offers a more robust and context-sensitive tool for analyzing acceptance dynamics, empirical validation is needed to assess its practical applicability. Nevertheless, the refined CAF can guide policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in designing renewable energy initiatives that are both technically sound, economically viable, and socially inclusive.

Suggested Citation

  • Hazirah H. Zaharuddin & Vani N. Alviani & Mazlina A. Majid & Hiromi Kubota & Noriyoshi Tsuchiya, 2025. "Identifying Factors Influencing Local Acceptance of Renewable Energy Projects: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6623-:d:1705846
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    References listed on IDEAS

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