Lightsource bp contributes to the World Economic Forum’s conversation on responsible renewables deployment practices

In October 2024, the World Economic Forum (WEF) created the Responsible Renewables Infrastructure Coalition, a global alliance of public and private sector leaders, to “accelerate the deployment of renewables infrastructure by mainstreaming responsible deployment practices to benefit communities and nature.”

In alignment with our sustainability pillar and commitment to responsible development of onshore renewable energy, Lightsource bp’s Penny Laurenson, Global Head of Sustainability, contributed to WEF’s conversation and thought leadership on responsible deployment practices.

In the first quarter 2025, WEF published the Principles for Responsible Deployment of Renewable Energy Infrastructure as it launched the new Responsible Renewables Infrastructure Website.

What it is

The Principles for Responsible Deployment (PRD) guide stakeholders in the renewable energy value chain to ensure sustainable and beneficial deployment for both communities and biodiversity.

The goal is to “underpin policy and business models. They provide a framework to integrate global best practices, address local priorities and build trust among stakeholders.”

WEF continues to say that “by embedding these principles into policies and business models, the energy transition can mitigate risks, drive progress and create benefits for businesses and communities alike, paving the way for an equitable and sustainable future.”

In a nutshell the PRD invite all stakeholders to engage with communities, support the creation of local economies, strive for biodiversity net gain, integrate transparent multistakeholder collaboration and embed responsible practices across the value chain.

Why it matters

As energy buyers worldwide increasingly prioritise cost-competitiveness, the renewable energy market continues to grow. Having responsible deployment and practices, businesses, through better community engagement and nature positive deployment, can further support that growth.

WEF stated that the “renewable energy capacity must triple by 2030 to meet energy and climate goals. Achieving this scale at the necessary pace presents both challenges and opportunities.”

In addition of projects requirements of profitability and compliance with laws and regulations, the Collation agrees that enablers for RRI Projects must also deliver value to communities and nature.

Below is a snippet from the publication, demonstrating the Coalition’s vision for a ‘good’ project: