Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Other Energy Sectors: Renewables, Electricity, and Mining

Sustainability discourses are usually of the assumption that non-fossil energy sectors are inherently responsible, leading to significant unmanaged social and environmental externalities that threaten the legitimacy of the broader energy transition. This chapter addresses this gap by systematically examining the distinct yet interconnected CSR challenges within renewables, electricity, and critical-mineral mining. It begins by reframing the debate, arguing that CSR is not sector-specific but a universal governance instrument required to manage the inevitable trade-offs of all large-scale energy systems. The analysis then delves into the “hidden costs” of renewable energy, scrutinising the life cycle impacts of solar panel production, the socio-ecological tensions of wind farm siting, and the community displacement associated with large hydropower projects. It further explores the governance complexities and energy justice imperatives within the electricity distribution sector. A major focus is the paradoxical role of mining for critical minerals, where extracting materials essential for decarbonisation often replicates the very social and environmental harms CSR aims to mitigate. The chapter concludes with a comparative synthesis of CSR models across these sectors, identifying convergent pressures from ESG finance and divergent regional governance capacities. This comprehensive review is essential for policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders. It provides the necessary insights to develop robust, equitable, and context-sensitive responsibility frameworks, ensuring the entire energy value chain contributes authentically to sustainable development.