SAVE THE DATE
International Symposium
Social Science in the Energy System Transformation
7–9 October 2026
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
Steintor Campus, Halle (Saale), Germany
The transformation of the energy system is a pressing national and international challenge. Its success depends not only on technological innovation, but also on understanding the social, institutional, organisational, and place-based dimensions of change.
This international working symposium will bring together:
- international experts and members of IEA Wind Task 62 | BRIDGE;
- members of the German Energy Transition and Society Research Network;
- researchers from ongoing federally funded projects; and
- practice partners working within the energy transformation.
Participants will take stock of current social science research, identify important evidence gaps and open questions, and explore opportunities for stronger international, interdisciplinary, and research–practice collaboration.
The symposium will address key themes including socio-technical collaboration, planning and participation, organisational capability, benefit-sharing and business models, and tools for improved dialogue and decision-making. Save the date – further information on the programme and participation arrangements will follow.
Jointly organised by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and IEA Wind Task 62 | BRIDGE – Building Research-informed Inclusive Dialogue for Global Wind Energy.
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About Task 62
Leveraging social science research and insights to encourage and enable successful relationships between wind energy developers, communities, and authorities with the goal of fair, value-balancing, responsible wind energy projects.
Wind energy isn’t just about the technology; it’s rooted in social contexts and community dynamics. Social science enables us to address community concerns, fairness, and host community participation from the outset, leading to more successful and cost-effective projects that locals can be proud of.
Task 62 is an International Energy Agency (IEA) Wind initiative focusing on the human and societal dimensions of wind energy. With participation from 15 countries, Task 62 fosters collaborative relationships between developers, communities, and authorities for better wind energy deployment. In each country, Task 62 participants work with local governments and wind industry representatives to better understand the societal dynamics involved in wind energy.
Purpose: To use social science research and expertise to support fair, responsible, and sustainable wind energy development.
Mission: To provide actionable insights and tools that enable responsible and sustainable wind energy deployment.
Task 62 was previously Task 28
Work Packages
Task 62 work is divided up into ”work packages” which are projects with international participation focused on a common goal that furthers the mission of the task. Each work package has its own deliverables, and Task 62 reports on these each year. Please see our Publications page for our annual reports.
- Work Package 1: Socio-Enviro-Technical collaboration:
Addressing impacts like noise and environmental factors and sharing challenges and solutions with technologists and environmental scientists. This Work Package comes from the Grand Challenges of Wind Energy and seeking greater collaboration among researchers and practitioners. - Work Package 2: Local engagement and approval:
Enhancing planning processes to foster community approval - where to go beyond what the law requires to achieve better outcomes for the community, local authorities, and developers. - Work Package 3: Organisational culture:
The power of integrating meaningful engagement into core business of wind deployment and the obstacles created by not doing so. - Work Package 4: Project participation and business models:
Exploring models for shared economic and other benefits such as community ownership or co-ownership. - Work Package 5: Tools for improved planning:
Using gamification and other methods for better dialogue.
Participation
Task 62 Participants
How to Participate in Task 62
Let’s have a conversation about where what you are doing that fits with Task 62. Help us learn from each other across the globe. Please contact one of our Operating Agents.
Operating Agents
Please contact the Operating Agents below with any questions.
John Aston
john.aston@astoneco.com
(Ireland)
Suzanne Tegen
Suzanne.tegen@colostate.edu
(U.S.)
IEA Wind Task 62
Monday to Friday
9 am – 17 pm Central European Time
Send your mail at
frba@dtu.dk
or
eoin.king@nuigalway.ie