Abstract

Large-scale energy transmission projects are critical to meeting growing electricity demands and facilitating the transition to sustainable energy systems. However, their complexity and societal impact necessitate effective multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure legitimacy, reduce conflict, and enhance project success. This paper develops a comprehensive conceptual model that integrates key components of stakeholder engagement—identification and categorization, communication mechanisms, conflict management, and strategic decision-making—within the unique context of energy transmission infrastructure. Drawing from stakeholder theory and established engagement frameworks, the model emphasizes adaptive, inclusive, and transparent processes supported by qualitative and quantitative metrics for evaluating effectiveness. The study highlights the challenges of balancing diverse stakeholder interests across long project timelines and presents strategies to institutionalize engagement practices that build trust and social license to operate. The implications for practitioners and policymakers are discussed, with a call for empirical validation and integration of emerging technologies in future research. This work contributes both theoretically and practically to enhancing sustainable and socially acceptable energy infrastructure development.