ID: 1912
Presenting Author: William van der Heiden
Session: 695 - Let’s talk about risk: engaging on low likelihood, high consequence events
Status: pending
Insights from Lightsource bp on building trust and countering misinformation when engaging local communities and authorities on the risks of grid-scale battery storage projects.
As renewable energy becomes the dominant source of electricity generation, grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are emerging as a critical component of modern distribution networks. But with batteries comes baggage. Despite their rarity, lithium-ion battery failures have captured the attention of the public due to their proximity to everyday life and the potentially catastrophic consequences they can pose.
This presentation explores how Lightsource bp engages local communities and authorities to have constructive conversations about the risks and rewards of this evolving technology. Drawing on recent experience from UK projects, it reflects on practical strategies developed to counter misinformation, acknowledge legitimate concerns and maintain trust in a dialogue focused on worst-case scenarios.
Our experience has shown that communities are not unreasonable. People want to simply understand the risks and see that they are taken seriously. By sharing what works, and what doesn’t, when discussing rare but high-impact events, this presentation contributes to a wider conversation on how stakeholder engagement can remain grounded and productive even when narratives are working against it.
William is an environmental specialist with seven years of experience delivering complex projects aligned with internationally recognised E&S best practices across markets in EMEA.