Australians Favor Gradual Approach to Energy Transition
Solar farms are widely accepted as part of renewable energy infrastructure. According to a survey conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), most Australians support the transition to renewable energy. The survey, which involved over 6,700 people nationwide between August and September 2023, revealed that Australians prioritize affordability, energy self-reliance, and emissions reductions, with reliability being the fourth priority.
While 47 percent of respondents prefer a moderate-paced transition, 40 percent prefer a faster and more extensive change. Conversely, 13 percent indicated a preference for a slower transition. Senior social scientist Andrea Walton noted that most Australians supported the energy transition but had varying opinions on the rate and extent of change. The survey showed a general willingness to support or tolerate the development of solar farms, onshore and offshore wind farms, and associated transmission line infrastructure.
Ms. Walton explained that while responses from metropolitan and regional communities were similar, individuals in regional areas expressed more pessimism about the renewable energy shift, possibly due to living near current or proposed developments. Transmission lines were viewed less favorably compared to other renewable energy infrastructure, as some respondents did not fully understand their role in the energy transition.
Over 80 percent of respondents stated they would tolerate living within 10 km of renewable energy infrastructure, with solar farms being the most widely accepted. However, the survey indicated increasing resistance to renewables, with the acceptance of living near a solar farm declining from 95 percent in a previous 2020 survey to 88 percent. Despite this, the overall willingness to live near solar farms, wind farms, and transmission infrastructure remained high.
Farmers for Climate Action welcomed the survey results but emphasized the need for ongoing communication and addressing concerns, especially in regional communities. The organization urged the government to implement recommendations from the Energy Infrastructure Commissioner’s Review of renewable energy in the regions, which include promoting best practices, involving reputable developers, improving community engagement processes, and ensuring equitable sharing of the transition’s benefits.
The energy shift presents an opportunity for farmers to secure additional income and create long-term career prospects, ultimately benefitting rural communities and contributing to the sustainability of renewable energy in Australia.
