Australia's energy system is transforming rapidly. Renewable electricity generation has quadrupled in the past decade and is set to double in the next. Renewables like rooftop solar, grid-scale wind and solar, and advanced storage now provide around 40% of the electricity in our main grid. However, fewer than one in ten Australians know it. 

This research found a significant gap between what’s happening and what people believe is happening. Media coverage has disproportionately focused on the limited opposition toward renewables, and little on its significant support, which has led to Australians believing that community support for renewables is lower than it actually is. Misconceptions leave room for misinformation, delaying progress and sowing unnecessary doubt.

While some projects have faced genuine opposition due to poor execution and inadequate community engagement, these are the exception, not the rule. The renewable energy industry must do better – real benefit sharing and community growth should be the standard, not the minimum.

Key findings

1. Strong support for renewable power was consistently recorded across the cities and regions.
2. Renewable power and storage is being built faster than most Australians realise, as Australia breaks world records on rooftop solar and big batteries.
3. Most Australians are unaware that coal is rapidly on the way out and needs to be replaced by renewable power and storage.
4. With some of the best solar and wind resources in the world, Australia has enormous potential for renewable power generation with wide-ranging economic benefits.
5. Renewable power projects can coexist with farming and improve biodiversity when done well, as well as providing benefits for communities. They also use far less land than most people realise.