Communication silos: A governance network approach to the offshore wind planning and permitting process

Abstract

Effective communication about offshore wind and other new energy infrastructure is necessary to achieve nations' energy policy goals. It is also uniquely challenging, particularly in the United States, given the early stage of development and the multi-layered, multi-faceted offshore wind energy governance context. This paper applied a communication approach to the offshore wind energy governance network to assess how network attributes shape communication dynamics and challenges for two offshore wind developments in the northeastern U.S. We employed social network analysis and thematic analysis to characterize and analyze network structure and influential and missing actors, in order to understand communication patterns shaping these projects' planning and permitting. Whole network results revealed a low-density, decentralized structure, which elucidates thematic analysis findings of the network's unwieldiness and a communication vacuum problem. The network comprises one core and multiple peripheral clusters shaped by sector, geography and/or attitudes; this is supported by thematic analysis findings that communities are isolated in silos. The most influential actors were the two project developers and the lead permitting agency. However, thematic analysis results suggest they may not be performing bridging functions or facilitating information flow. Missing actors included Tribes, and sectors with lower influence included local governments, fishers, stakeholder groups, and scientific organizations. The network's unwieldiness may explain stakeholder isolation and limited engagement with key constituencies. Results inform multiple recommendations for research and practice.