Organised campaigns against wind and solar energy have proven "extremely effective" in undermining community support for renewable energy in Australia, according to a recent survey. While enthusiasm for electric vehicles has increased following Donald Trump's attack on Iran, and "deep support" remains high for home batteries and rooftop solar, backing for onshore wind and solar farms has declined from last year.
Australians reported receiving more negative than positive messages regarding windfarms. Rebecca Huntley, a social trends expert leading the annual Clean Energy Solutions Index, noted that anti-wind campaigns promoted by conservative groups have been "extremely effective" in creating a perception of widespread opposition.
At the renewable energy industry's annual summit in Sydney, the Clean Energy Council stated the industry faces a "fundamental problem" with a lack of trust in regional and rural communities. The council proposed a nationwide legislated scheme to ensure local councils receive funds from renewables companies for every megawatt hour of electricity generated by projects over their lifetime.
Jackie Trad, chief executive of the Clean Energy Council, highlighted the absence of research indicating trust from regional communities in the renewable energy industry. She argued that what communities believe ultimately determines which projects get built, and that regional Australia, which hosts the machinery for energy security, should "share squarely in the wealth it creates."