| Abstract [eng] |
This master’s thesis examines stakeholder management in solar energy projects with a particular focus on developing a context-sensitive framework tailored to Pakistan, informed by comparative insights from Lithuania. Solar energy projects are characterized by complex stakeholder environments involving government institutions, private developers, local communities, NGOs, and supply-chain actors, whose interests, power, and legitimacy vary significantly across socio-economic and regulatory contexts. Inadequate stakeholder engagement has been identified as a key contributor to project delays, cost overruns, and social conflicts, especially in emerging economies. The study adopts a qualitative case-study approach grounded in interpretivist research philosophy. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in solar energy projects, supported by secondary data such as policy documents and project reports. Thematic analysis using NVivo software enabled the identification of recurring patterns related to stakeholder identification, salience, engagement challenges, equity gaps, and adaptive practices. The findings reveal that power imbalances, insufficient community participation, and weak mechanisms for monitoring stakeholder satisfaction significantly undermine project performance in Pakistan. In contrast, Lithuanian solar projects benefit from structured Stakeholder Engagement Plans, transparent consultation processes, and alignment with EU governance frameworks. Drawing on these insights, the thesis proposes a five-phase, context-sensitive stakeholder management framework comprising identification, analysis, engagement, monitoring, and adaptation. The framework integrates principles of stakeholder salience, participatory engagement, equity, and continuous feedback. The study contributes both theoretically and practically by extending stakeholder management theory to renewable energy projects in developing economies and providing actionable guidance for project managers and policymakers. The proposed framework supports more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable solar energy development and aligns with global sustainability objectives, including Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13. |
