33. How Big Things Get Done: Energy Megaprojects (1/2)

Michael Barnard talks with Professor Bent Flyvbjerg (part 1/2), a leading expert on megaprojects and author of "How Big Things Get Done."

Flyvbjerg shares insights from his extensive research, revealing that a staggering 99.5% of projects fail to meet budget, timeline, and benefit expectations. He discusses the critical importance of analyzing successful projects, particularly in the context of renewable energy, where solar and wind initiatives have proven to be more effective than nuclear power.  

Flyvbjerg highlights the creation of a database containing over 16,000 megaprojects, which provides a comprehensive overview of the inherent challenges of nuclear energy. These challenges include regulatory hurdles and skill shortages, which contribute to the poor performance of nuclear projects. Additionally, Flyvbjerg explores the concept of small modular reactors as a potential solution to some of these issues, although they also face significant limitations.  

Through this discussion, the episode sheds light on the complexities of project management within the energy sector and the factors that lead to successful outcomes. Flyvbjerg emphasizes the importance of studying successful projects to understand how they overcome the odds and achieve their goals. He highlights solar power, wind energy, and transmission as examples of successful project types, contrasting them with poorly performing projects like nuclear power and the Olympic Games.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the dynamics of megaprojects, particularly in the renewable energy sector, and underscores the need for effective project management strategies to ensure success.