Bringing Community Voices Into Renewable Energy Planning

As the U.S. pursues ambitious goals for renewable energy — targeting 80 percent clean energy by 2030 and 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2035 — offshore wind energy plays a central role. Offshore wind turbines, which can be built larger than those on land, promise better efficiency and economic returns. Still, despite being less visually intrusive, offshore wind projects often face opposition due to concerns about their impact on local communities and coastal landscapes.

To support informed and inclusive decision-making, the MIT Renewable Energy Clinic engages directly with communities considering offshore wind infrastructure. The clinic facilitates neutral, nonpartisan stakeholder assessments to surface diverse perspectives, foster open dialogue, and support the creation of locally accepted rules. By avoiding advocacy for or against specific projects, the clinic helps communities shape public engagement processes that reflect their unique concerns and values.

Housed in MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, the clinic is led by Professors Lawrence Susskind and Jungwoo Chun and staffed by graduate students. The team receives no funding from developers and operates without political or financial bias. Their work blends research in climate justice, negotiation, and environmental planning to ensure that communities have a voice in shaping renewable energy development in ways that are just, resilient, and broadly supported.