A Framework to Measure the Cost of Controversy Surrounding Energy Construction Projects
Publication: Construction Research Congress 2022
ABSTRACT
Energy projects are essential to serving the world’s growing energy demands. However, energy construction projects encounter controversy when the community disagrees with the development process or expected project outcomes. These conflicts can and often do lead to schedule delays and cost overruns, yet energy project developers are rarely prepared to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to arising challenges. With this work, we aim to model the economic consequences of controversy stemming from public opposition to energy construction projects. We propose a framework to determine the potential costs and schedule delays occurring during a project’s timeline. We use a hybrid system dynamics and agent-based modeling approach demonstrated by wind energy construction projects. Developers can use the proposed methodology by inputting their project characteristics to anticipate controversy and mitigate risk through public outreach. The resulting model will serve as a proof of concept that can be expanded upon in future research.
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Construction Research Congress 2022
Pages: 754 - 763
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Published online: Mar 7, 2022
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