Australians are underestimating the speed and scale of our switch to renewable power. Fourth-fifths of our electricity is set to come from renewables by 2030, and all of our ageing coal-fired power stations are expected to shut down by 2040. However, new Essential Research polling commissioned by the Climate Council—Electric Shock! Australia’s Lightbulb Moment—shows a glaring knowledge gap that risks undermining trust in the energy transition. Addressing this gap is key to empowering Australians to embrace and benefit from the increasing momentum of renewable energy.
| KEY FINDINGS: 1. 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%. 2. 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). 3. 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. |
Climate Councillor and energy expert, Greg Bourne, said: “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 percent 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.”
Climate Council Fellow and energy expert, Andrew Stock, said: “There’s no room for delay and distraction. Coal is on its way out so we must act quickly to expand renewable energy solutions to firm up our supply before coal plants retire.
“Renewable energy has been around since the first hydro power in Tasmania came online in the 1910s. Australia’s renewable energy journey is already over 100 years in the making. Improving public education on renewables can build confidence and support for the next chapter as Australia continues to shed polluting fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas out of the energy system.
“Renewable energy from our abundant sun and wind backed by storage and firming is Australia’s best opportunity to secure reliable, low-cost power, while simultaneously cutting climate pollution and creating jobs for generations to come. Bridging the knowledge gap is essential to ensuring the nation is ready to fully embrace this future.”
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.
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