Scientific paper ID 2775 : 2026/1

The energy sector has emerged as one of the most complex and strategically significant domains for project-based development, driven by decarbonisation targets, technological innovation, and multi-level governance frameworks, particularly within the European Union. Despite the maturity of project management as a discipline, energy-sector projects continue to experience cost overruns, delays, and performance shortfalls, indicating limitations in traditional, process-oriented management approaches.

This article examines project success in the energy sector through the lens of critical success factors (CSFs) and policy-driven project governance. Building on established project management theory, sector-specific literature, and empirical case evidence from European energy projects, the study develops an integrated methodology that aligns project life-cycle management with dynamic success factors and governance ments. The analysis demonstrates that project success in the energy sector is multidimensional and context-dependent, extending beyond time, cost, and scope to strategic alignment, stakeholder legitimacy, sustainability impact, and institutional capacity.

The findings highlight strategic alignment with national and European energy policies as a meta–success factor that enhances project stability and long-term value creation. Governance quality, adaptive management capability, and effective stakeholder engagement are identified as decisive drivers of success across different project types, including energy infrastructure, renewable generation, and energy efficiency initiatives. The article contributes to project management theory by integrating CSF logic with governance perspectives and offers practical implications for practitioners and policymakers involved in energy transition projects.