I 'm currently undertaking a masters dissertation at Heriot Watt University on community energy projects, specifically the use of risk management in CEPs. I work in construction in which risk management is crucial part of delivering a successful project. The reason I'm doing this dissertation is because I want to understand the degree to which risk management is observed in community projects and so that I can compile a comprehensive guide for risk management in CEP to help others. Can you please let me know if you are developing, or have in operation, a community renewable energy project and I would be very grateful if you could spare the time to complete a 10 question survey which I have prepared and can forward to you? Thanks in advance, Thomas2005
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Risk Management in Community Energy Projects - I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP
That sounds like a great help to communities: there's so much to consider, and risk management sounds scary.
You're probably already onto these, but just in case (and for the benefit of others):
Community Energy Scotland is a great resource, with development officers to help and advise, and information on the website including this: http://www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk/assets/0000/4278/Community_Renewable_Energy_Toolkit.pdf
A Framework for Community Action on Climate Change The ‘Framework’ initiative aims to identify and address the barriers to community action, so as to create a more fertile setting for communities to contribute to a low carbon future, and promote local resilience and wellbeing: http://www.communityframework.info/information-bank
Further to Heidi's excellent suggestion as follows below is my questionnaire on Risk Management in Community Energy Projects. I would really appreciate it if you are developing or currently operating a community energy project if you could take the time to answer these questions and send back to me. Many many thanks,
Project Details / Background Information
Name of Project:
Location:
Scope:
Construction Value:
Community Organisation Structure:
Project Management Structure:
Decision making process:
MAIN QUESTIONNAIRE:
Q1 What were the biggest risks to the project during:
- Feasibility:
- Development:
- Construction:
- Operations & Maintenance:
Q2 Has risk management been used in the management of your project? (mark withXnext to your answer)
Yes…………….If Yes please define next to each risk identified in Q1, (i) the expectation on the severity and likelihood of occurrence and (ii) how was it in reality?
No……………..If No go to Q11
Q3 Who has been responsible for risk management?
Q4 Has risk management informed decision making on this project? (mark withXnext to your answer)
Yes……………
No…………
If Yes, then how?
Q5 How have risks been identified? (mark withXnext to your answer)
In isolation (i.e. via the Project Manager) ……………
By committee……………
Workshop……………
Other
Q6 How have risks been assessed? (mark withXnext to your answer)
Quantitative assessment……………
Qualitative assessment…………
Q7 If quantitative assessment has been used, which type? (mark withXnext to your answer)
Optimism bias (OB) ……………
Expected Monetary Value (EMV) / Decision Trees……………
Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) / Monte Carlo probability modelling……………
Other
Q8 Were the owners of risks identified? (mark withXnext to your answer)
Yes……………
No……………
If Yes how?
Q9 Which actions have been generally taken in the management of risks? (mark withXnext to your answer)
Reduce……………
Avoid……………
Defer……………
Transfer……………
Retain……………
All of the above……………
Other
Q10 Where risks have been accepted / carried by the community, how have they been managed? (mark withXnext to your answer)
Proactive plan……………
Reactive plan……………
Contingency……………
Other
Q11 What has been the appetite for taking risks? (mark withXnext to your answer)
- Low (risk adverse) ……………
- Medium……………
- High…………
Q12 How is the responsibility for operations and maintenance dealt with?
Q13 What have been the lessons learnt?
Q14 What advice would you give others who were considering a community energy project?