Factors and dynamics of the social perception of geothermal energy: Case study of the Tolhuaca exploration project in Chile

Abstract

This paper analyzes local stakeholders' perceptions of the Tolhuaca geothermal exploration project in Chile from 2009 until its cancellation in 2016 for financial reasons. The research is based on a qualitative case study using focus groups and interviews to reconstruct local stakeholders' perception changes throughout the project. The results indicate that stakeholders' perceptions were not only influenced by the company's engagement activities, but also by the exploration project activities, and contextual elements. We conclude that understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial when planning the stakeholder engagement process of geothermal projects.