Undertaking a thorough assessment of alternative development options can help ensure that a project is appropriate and desirable in the first instance.  Given that it is the role of government to determine regional or national energy development priorities and project options, it can be expected that national or regional governments will have a significant role in the process of assessing alternatives within an overarching energy strategy. 

Global issues such as the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions are relevant within the broader strategic framework.  The assessment of need should consider both demand-side and supply-side management options, and should where appropriate involve those whose rights will be affected or bear risks associated with any given option.

Effective project assessment and decision-making processes are informed by economic, social and environmental investigations. Broadening economic analyses beyond financial internal rates of return to include economic profitability (as demonstrable through cost benefit analyses) is desirable.