Multi-criteria decision aiding to support stakeholder engagement in the electric transmission planning.

To meet the European 20-20-20 targets and the objective of a largely decarbonized energy by 2050, a considerable expansion of the electric transmission grid is considered necessary for a large-scale integration of renewable sources. At the same time, the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the transmission lines can lead to opposition from stakeholders and citizens, and therefore slow down or block the authorization and realization process. Within the INSPIRE-Grid project, co-funded by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme (www.inspire-grid.eu), we propose Multi-Criteria Decision Aiding (MCDA) as an approach to support grid planning processes. The decision making process, leading to the construction of an electric line, starts with a need and ends with a project, through steps of progressive definition. Very often the process is not carried out in an organic way: some of the criteria, which need to be considered (typically the environmental ones), tend to be considered only at the latest stages. The final solution of the need is often not as satisfactory as possible for all stakeholders, which perceive their interests as not sufficiently taken into account. Dissatisfaction consequently could generate delays and obstacles to the realization of the project. In INSPIRE-Grid project, through some real cases, we proposed an organic approach, based on MCDA, following all the stages of the process. MCDA made transparent the decision making process, structuring the problem in a rational way. Furthermore it made clear the preferences of all the stakeholders involved (e.g. planning authorities, citizens, etc.) and helped them to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed alternatives. MCDA cannot claim to unify different systems of values, in case of conflicts. Nevertheless, MCDA allowed participants to structure the debate and facilitate negotiation, especially by supporting a climate of confidence and by providing a common understanding of the problem.