New Essential Research polling commissioned by the Climate Council—Electric Shock! Australia’s Lightbulb Moment—shows Australians are underestimating the speed and scale of our switch to renewable power, with the knowledge gap undermining trust in the energy transition.
Related article: Busting the myths around regional Australia and renewables
The Climate Council says addressing this gap is key to empowering Australians to embrace and benefit from the increasing momentum of renewable energy.
Climate Councillor and energy expert Greg Bourne says, “One in three Aussie households now have solar on their rooftops—making rooftop solar three times more common than the backyard pool. Yet a lot of Australians are surprised to learn that we’ve been building our solar and wind since the 1980s. These renewable energy sources have been powering us for longer than people think.
“Renewables are already cutting climate pollution and powering around 40% of Australia’s main electricity grid—that’s doubled in just six years. Large-scale solar and wind, backed by storage, can deliver reliable, low-cost power 24/7, keeping energy costs low as coal phases out. Expanding our renewable energy capacity will also unlock thousands of new jobs and economic opportunities, particularly in Australia’s energy regions.
“However, this lack of public awareness leaves room for misinformation to fester, delaying progress and undermining confidence in the switch. Governments and energy companies have a responsibility to provide clear, accurate information about Australia’s renewable energy milestones and opportunities. The more Australians understand, the quicker we can build momentum and ensure a smooth shift to renewable energy before the lights go out.”
Key findings from the polling include:
- Nearly half (48%) of Australians think renewables will generate less than 80% of electricity by 2030, while only 6% correctly identify the figure as 80-89%.
- More than a third (38%) are unsure when all coal-fired power stations will close, despite the clear 2040 timeline from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
- More than half (56%) of Australians underestimate how long renewable energy has been part of our history, with solar and wind farms dating back to the 1980s.
Related article: Not in my green backyard: Only 5% of people in renewables zones would live near nuclear
The Climate Council recently launched its Momentum Monitor, which tracks the progress of climate solutions in Australia’s energy, transport, and industry sectors. Data in the Momentum Monitor is updated quarterly.
