PEARLS Project: Renewable Energy Landscapes and Public Engagement

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

The project studied how people perceived renewable energy systems and how public acceptance could be improved through better planning, participation and social innovation.

PEARLS focused on Southern Europe and Israel, where renewable energy development created new opportunities as well as 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 explored how these changes affected public perception, local identity and community acceptance.

Supporting Public Participation

PEARLS aimed to strengthen public engagement with sustainable energy systems.

The project combined:

• staff exchanges

• collaborative research

• social science methods

• spatial planning approaches

• social innovation practices

Through this approach, PEARLS generated applied knowledge to support better policies and more inclusive renewable energy planning.

Benefits for Communities

The project also focused on disadvantaged communities.

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

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

GEOSYSTEMS HELLAS Role in PEARLS

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

The GIS supported the recording, management and visualization of the project’s geographical data.

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

GEOSYSTEMS HELLAS also contributed to the update of the PEARLS project website and supported knowledge transfer through in-situ training, Webex training, project site questionnaires and an online manual.