PEARLS Project: Renewable Energy Landscapes and Public Engagement

The PEARLS project focuses on Renewable Energy Landscapes (REL) and the way renewable energy changes citizens’ relationship with energy and landscapes.

The project studies how people perceive renewable energy systems and how public acceptance can be improved through better planning, participation and social innovation.

PEARLS focuses on Southern Europe and Israel, where renewable energy development creates new opportunities but also new social and spatial challenges.

Understanding Renewable Energy Landscapes

Renewable Energy Landscapes are areas where renewable energy systems influence the surrounding environment, local communities and everyday life.

These landscapes may include energy infrastructure linked to solar, wind or other renewable sources.

The PEARLS project explores how these changes affect public perception, local identity and community acceptance.

Supporting Public Participation

PEARLS aims to strengthen public engagement with sustainable energy systems.

The project combines:

• staff exchanges
• collaborative research
• social science methods
• spatial planning approaches
• social innovation practices

Through this approach, PEARLS generates applied knowledge that can support better policies and more inclusive renewable energy planning.

Benefits for Communities

The project also focuses on disadvantaged communities.

Its goal is to support fair access to renewable energy opportunities and help communities benefit from the energy transition.

By promoting citizen participation, PEARLS supports more inclusive and socially accepted renewable energy development.

GEOSYSTEMS HELLAS Role in PEARLS

Within the PEARLS project, GEOSYSTEMS HELLAS S.A. (GSH) is responsible for the design and implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS).

This GIS will support the recording, management and visualization of project geographical data.

The system will provide a user-friendly environment where users can easily access information, identify issues and make corrections in the study areas when needed.

GEOSYSTEMS HELLAS will also update the PEARLS project website. In addition, GSH will support knowledge transfer through in-situ training, Webex training, project site questionnaires and an online manual.