Procedural Justice and Public Opposition. An Analysis of Procedural Justice as an explanatory framework for the Opposition against the New Energy Plant of Nijmegen.
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2025-09-09
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nl
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With climate change demanding a rapid and large-scale transition to sustainable energy, sustainability projects must be implemented efficiently. This transition requires fundamental spatial changes that directly reshape people’s living environments. Because these projects affect local communities, they often trigger opposition. Understanding and reducing such opposition is crucial to prevent delays and ensure a just transition.
This research examines to what extent the concept of procedural justice can explain public opposition to new energy projects. The study focuses on the case of a new energy plant in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, where significant protests emerged. Procedural justice is operationalised here through six measurable characteristics. Using semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the research investigates how these characteristics were formally addressed in policy and how they were experienced by stakeholders.
The findings reveal discrepancies between the municipality’s policy design and residents’ lived experiences. Although formal procedures were followed, many stakeholders perceived the process as unfair. In particular, shortcomings in information distribution, participation timing, and opportunities for real influence explain much of the opposition. This case shows how procedural justice offers a valuable framework to understand and address resistance to energy projects.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen