The solar panels only cover a surface area of approximately 2,500 square meters on a dammed river that has a total surface area of over 8 square miles. While the project is relatively small, the electricity produced by the solar panels is estimated to be able to power over 100 homes for an entire year.
In the United States, hydroelectric power produces more electricity than any other form of renewable energy. In 2015, hydroelectric power accounted for 35 percent of all electricity produced by renewables and around 6.5 percent of the nation’s total electricity production. Solar power on the other hand, produced just over 1 percent of the United States’ electricity in 2015. According to the US Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, if just 0.6 percent of the land area of the US was covered by solar panels, enough electricity would be produced to power the entire country.
Combining hydro and solar power as Energias de Portugal did at the Alto Rabagão Dam, creates potential for enormous growth in the renewable energy industry, both in the U.S. and across the globe. According to the National Hydropower Association, there are roughly 2,200 hydroelectric plants in operation in the United States. If each of these plants were to replicate and implement this technology demonstrated in Portugal, 220,000 additional home each year could be powered strictly by renewable energy.
Economically, both the hydroelectric industry and the solar industry would benefit from such a merger. Hydroelectric companies could significantly increase energy production at their plants without having to spend money on dam reconstruction, a process that has been deemed rather costly and environmentally hazardous. Solar companies could see economic benefits in nearly every facet of the industry, and more importantly it would serve as a stepping stone for solar to become more utilized for both mass production and individual residences.
For energy companies that seize this opportunity and recognize the potential in combining hydro and solar power, it will be important to recognize the areas in which they will face opposition during the approval process for the new development. Given the rugged relationship that already exists between the hydroelectric industry and the World Wildlife Federation, companies can certainly expect backlash and opposition from wildlife groups and activists. In addition, companies may face opposition from community members who do not view a floating solar farm as “aesthetically pleasing.”
To manage this risk, public opposition can be countered using digital and grassroots campaign tactics to build support amongst members of the community and public officials. To kick off any digital campaign, prepare a thorough website that regularly updates residents, dispels new myths and disseminates new information. Website content should allow the audience to obtain key ideas on project details and benefits without having to do too much reading. Visuals and well-organized content are key to ensuring your message gets across. This website should also include a link that allows people to submit letters of support directly to public officials and elected leaders as well as provide downloadable fact sheets, and any other resources that may help advocates build support.
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have grown into powerful campaigning tools. Facebook and Twitter accounts dedicated to the renewable proposal offer enormous opportunity to reach community members organically through peer-to-peer information sharing. Any content posted should be bolstered as needed by social media marketing, which is both cost efficient and effective to introduce the proposal to new audiences. These ads will increase awareness and drive website traffic to continuously reach new segments of the population.
With an effective digital strategy, supporters can be educated and harnessed to action. Citizen support makes a huge difference at public hearings, and key advocates can write letters, provide media quotes, offer testimonials, display lawn signs and more to show support throughout the approval process. Digital platforms allow supporters to stay updated on the most important times to take action as well as the most effective means to ensure their voices are heard.
Another important and effective aspect of grassroots campaigning is stakeholder relations. Contacting stakeholder groups both locally and statewide to coordinate grassroots efforts can amplify messaging through newsletters, email blasts, presentations to the organization’s members, and state house days to petition the legislature. Coordinating a call to action with stakeholders can greatly enhance support in a meaningful way.
Portugal may have opened the door for revolutionary innovation in the renewable energy industry, but it will be up to hydroelectric and solar companies located across the globe to make sure the technology is implemented and utilized. Doing so will require strong and strategic public affairs campaigning that uses both digital and grassroots tactics to ensure these innovative projects come to fruition in any country.
Al Maiorino
President, Public Strategy Group
Al Maiorino, the President of Public Strategy Group, Inc.,is a public affairs executive presenting over two decades of success in his field.
Maiorino is a NIMBY expert, writer, and public affairs consultant who has made Public Strategy Group, Inc. a unique firm that goes beyond the traditional public affairs role of many firms. He has successfully run and won corporate campaigns involving land use difficulties, legislative advocacy issues for large and small companies ranging from Fortune 100 clients to smaller firms, and voter referendum campaigns.
He began his career as a political party operative and took the knowledge gained from a diversity of political campaigns to the corporate level over 20 years ago and formed Public Strategy Group, Inc. He has made PSG one of the few firms in the nation that specializes in building public support for development type projects, while also offering grassroots public affairs for corporate clients on legislative and regulatory issues. Throughout the years, he has managed hundreds of corporate public affairs campaigns in a variety of industries such as energy, gaming, shipping, tourism, cable television, retail development, auto racing, and housing/residential projects. His company has worked in twenty states, one U.S. Territory and three countries, and for over 20 years has helped companies gain approval on development projects totaling billions of dollars in investment.
He has authored many articles, and is a regular contributor to numerous trade journals and business periodicals.
