Communication

E-I Consulting Group is shaping change processes in business, politics and society through communication, participation and consultation. E-I Consulting Group is regarded as one of the groundbreaking innovators in political communication and citizen participation in Europe, and in combining this strength with expertise in the energy sector. We involve those who are crucial to gaining unique insights and developing innovative solutions. We advise clients from the public and private sector, international and national institutions, regions and communities as well as companies, associations and foundations. Our unique approach to a multi-stakeholder dialogue provides superior value to our clients. Big infrastructure projects, by their nature involve stakeholders with differing views about these projects. Especially the infrastructure projects of power plant operators – for example coal-burning power plants or hydroelectric plants – attract public attention and criticism. Therefore an ideal approach is to have a discussion group to work on an integrated approach to the issues.

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KRAFTWERKSFORUM DATTELN: Multi-stakeholder dialogue for a large infrastructure project

E.ON Kraftwerke GmbH is planning the construction of a new 1,100 MW hard coal fired power plant in Datteln, which will replace older facilities. In this context, E.ON Kraftwerke commissioned IFOK to design a stakeholder management process. The objective of the dialogue is to help clarify contested issues and questions, to mediate between diverging interests and, if possible, to find solutions that are acceptable to a large number of stakeholders. The round-table discussions in Datteln bring together representatives and members from, for example, the cities of Datteln, Waltrop, as well as Chambers of Commerce, Industrial Trade Unions, various churches, local NGOs and the power plant managers. The panel also may invite experts on a wide range of topics such as health, harmful substances, environmental pollution and construction and operation noise. IFOK acts as a neutral facilitator, manages the round-table process, and is responsible for giving all participating stakeholders an equal voice. The dialogue between stakeholders is maintained through meetings, future workshops, citizen information desks, the internet and a newsletter. These formats support the discussion between the public and the different stakeholders.