The influence of social innovation on biomass-based community energy acceptance in the special economic zone of Thailand

Abstract

This research studied a social innovation model to generate energy for community biomass power plants in the Chana district special economic zone (SEZ) region, Songkhla Province, southern Thailand while considering regional sensitivity to political conflicts, religion, and individual lifestyles to build trust and acceptance from community residents. Qualitative research was done with data gathered by literature analysis and case study. Results indicated that social innovations help sensitive areas accept community energy evolution through required dual track social innovations, through (1) social business; and (2) community development activities working in tandem: the social business model for biomass power plants and social innovation through community-based development activities.