“Stronger Together: Unlocking Community Power for Lasting Change” underscores how early, inclusive community engagement is essential for ensuring that renewable energy projects succeed—and that they do so equitably. Drawing on case studies from India, Colombia, the Philippines, and South Korea, this issue brief shows that when local voices, including women, Indigenous Peoples, and other underrepresented groups, are actively involved in project planning and decision-making, the result is more stable, trusted, and resilient energy systems.

Key findings reveal that meaningful consultation not only mitigates financial and operational risks—such as permitting delays, legal disputes, and even cancellations—but also fosters shared ownership and equitable benefit-sharing. Conversely, poor engagement fuels mistrust and community opposition, derailing timelines and eroding public support. By integrating local knowledge and livelihoods into project designs, developers can secure vital “social licenses” to operate, while governments can meet climate targets more swiftly and fairly.

The brief consolidates practical recommendations aimed at policymakers, developers, and advocacy organizations. These include establishing robust legal frameworks for community engagement, implementing clear benefit-sharing mechanisms, and building local capacity for monitoring and oversight. It also highlights tools—like data-driven site selection models—to help all stakeholders make informed, participatory decisions. Ultimately, this resource advocates a shift from one-way consultation to true partnership, ensuring that clean energy transitions deliver lasting economic, environmental, and social gains for everyone involved.