| Title | Embedding Social Alignment in Geothermal Innovation: Strategies from the COMPASS and EPOS-ON Projects |
|---|---|
| Authors | Barich A |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | Achieving a sustainable energy transition requires not only technological innovation but also public trust and community support. In geothermal development—particularly in frontier domains such as superhot geothermal systems—the concept of a Social License to Operate (SLO) has become central to project viability. SLO refers to the informal, dynamic approval granted by local communities and stakeholders, beyond formal permitting. This paper presents insights from two Horizon Europe initiatives, COMPASS and EPOS-ON, that address social acceptance in advanced geothermal contexts. COMPASS expands the SLO framework to high-enthalpy and deep-drilling projects by integrating stakeholder mapping, risk perception analysis, and adaptive communication strategies. Case studies from Iceland and Italy highlight effective tools for engaging communities, navigating permitting complexity, and aligning project design with local expectations. Complementing this, EPOS-ON has fostered stakeholder engagement around the Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT), a unique deep-drilling initiative targeting magma-rich environments. Through participatory workshops and transdisciplinary dialogues, EPOS-ON demonstrates how early, inclusive engagement can anticipate resistance, build mutual understanding, and co-develop socially robust project trajectories. We propose a strategic approach linking transparency, local benefit-sharing, and continuous dialogue to strengthen geothermal SLO. Together, COMPASS and EPOS-ON contribute actionable recommendations and scalable tools for developers, researchers, and policymakers aiming to embed social acceptance into geothermal innovation pathways. |