The Art of Political Strategy in Renewable Energy Projects with David Applebaum

In today's episode, we're joined by a seasoned expert, David Applebaum of The Hawthorne Group. We will unpack the challenges of implementing renewable projects and the political campaigns that sometimes need to accompany them. David will share why developers must adopt a campaign-style approach to successfully engage with various communities and stakeholders, especially amidst the diverse local regulations and concerns. We’ll touch on the power of traditional outreach methods, such as town meetings and door knocking, and new-school strategies, like social media, to engage communities effectively. Michael will explore renewables' real impacts on local economies and landscapes, acknowledging the concerns and emphasizing the benefits. At the same time, Noha will highlight developers' crucial role in respecting and engaging with communities to foster project success.

Guest bio: David has nearly four decades of experience as a political and policy strategist with deep experience in state and local issues management in the public and private sectors and working with Regional Transmission Organizations in the Northeastern U.S. and Canada. In the private sector, David was Director of Business Development for Ballard Generation Systems, a subsidiary of Vancouver-based fuel cell developer Ballard Power Systems; Vice President for Government and Community Relations for New York-based independent power company Sithe Energies, Inc.; and most recently retired as Senior Director of Regulatory & Political Affairs at NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, the world’s leading producer of electricity from the wind and sun and a world leader in energy storage.  During his 22-year tenure with both NextEra Energy Resources and Sithe Energies, David was responsible for managing legislative, regulatory, and community matters at the state and local levels, as well as representing the companies at the Regional Transmission Organizations covering New York, PJM, New England and Ontario.

[00:02:32] Community-level power project strategies

[00:06:55] Renewable energy development and community engagement progress

[00:10:40] Successful engagement strategies for renewable energy developers in rural communities

[00:19:25] Progress in renewable energy development in Southwest Power Pool regions

[00:24:18] Strategies for successful renewable energy project campaigning

[00:28:50] Challenges developers face with the power of new media tools

[00:32:44] The importance of upfront community analysis for renewable energy developers

[00:36:32] Tailoring renewable energy project strategies to community concerns

[00:40:33] The organic nature of opposition to renewable projects, not driven by big money

[00:49:19] Local considerations in renewable energy project development

[00:52:35] Lessons from fracking for renewable energy development

[00:56:59] Advocating for a campaign mindset in renewable energy development

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Noha Sidhom

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Mike Borgatti

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Gabel Associates