Abstract
A growing body of literature recognises the role of local participation by end users in the successful implementation of sustainable development projects. Such community-based initiatives are widely assumed to be beneficial in providing additional savings, increasing knowledge and skills, and improving social cohesion. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the success (or failure) of such projects, as well as a lack of formal impact assessment methodologies that can be used to assess their effectiveness in meeting the needs of communities. Using a case study approach, we investigate the effectiveness of community-based energy projects in regard to achieving long-term renewable energy technology (RET) adoption in energy-poor island communities in the Philippines. This paper provides an alternative analytical framework for assessing the impact of community-based energy projects by defining RET adoption as a continuous and relational process that co- evolves and co-produces over time, highlighting the role of social capital in the long-term RET adoption process. In addition, by using the Social Impact Assessment methodology, we study off-grid, disaster-vulnerable and energy-poor communities in the Philippines and we assess community renewable energy (RE) projects implemented in those communities. We analyse the nature of participation in the RET adoption process, the social relations and interactions formed between and among the different stakeholders, and the characteristics, patterns and challenges of the adoption process.