Rethinking the social license to operate? A theoretical exploration of its synergies with social acceptance and energy justice for a just transition

Abstract

This article delves into the evolution of the concept of Social License to Operate (SLO), from its origins in the extractive industry to its application in the renewable energy literature in the form of Social Acceptance (SA). The review of the literature on SLO in the mining industry and SA for renewables highlights important parallels that so far have received limited attention. Despite the vocabulary differences, both literatures investigate motives behind local opposition to or acceptance of infrastructure projects, converge in definitions, and eventually provide analogous recommendations for increasing acceptance towards mining and renewable energy projects through an advancement of Energy Justice (EJ) principles. By shedding light on the relationship between SLO and SA, and their synergies with EJ principles, this article offers relevant insights for different epistemological communities to join forces towards a just energy transition.