Once again this year, Nergica’s annual conference on renewable energy brought together a wide range of stakeholders to explore a key issue that remains as relevant as ever: the social acceptability of projects.

As deployment accelerates, how can we better understand what drives success on the ground?

Held in early June in Québec City, the event provided an essential opportunity to take a deeper look at the factors that shape a successful energy transition in Québec.

Among the many topics discussed, social acceptability emerged as a central theme.

As renewable energy projects multiply and governments push to accelerate their rollout, one fundamental question remains: what does it really mean to “engage with communities early in the process”?

Aligning ambition with social roots

Beyond its well-established foundations, the discussions offered a chance to examine more complex aspects of social acceptability, particularly in a context where time, land, and human resources are increasingly scarce.

Three major themes stood out during the conference:

  • Territory, both a source of constraints and opportunities. Its use, history, and collective meaning must be fully integrated into project planning.
  • Social mapping, essential not only for identifying energy potential but also for understanding the social fabric. A promising wind resource means little without the local conditions to support it.
  • Timelines, now one of the most pressing constraints. In the face of climate urgency and economic pressure, the industry must learn to align ambition, capacity, and territorial dialogue.

Several speakers emphasized that even under tight deadlines, it is critical to use time constructively. This means prioritizing inclusive approaches that allow communities to take ownership of projects and ensure long-term compatibility with other land uses.

A transition rooted in people and place

The conference was also marked by rich conversations guided by a human and locally grounded approach. Some voices, notably women, helped shed light on often overlooked dimensions, such as power dynamics, the conditions for participation, and the timing of dialogue.

It is through these open and nuanced discussions that concrete ideas begin to emerge for building social acceptability around large-scale energy projects.

Human energy, too!

Because energy transition also draws on human energy, Transfert was proud to sponsor the event’s morning activities. Our colleague Alexandra Boileau, Partner and Vice President of Operations, rose to the challenge by completing a 5 km run on two consecutive mornings through the beautiful trails of Mont-Sainte-Anne. A big congratulations for the inspiration and endurance!