By Dr Rebecca Huntley, Director of Research at 89 Degrees East and author of How to Talk About Climate Change in a Way That Makes a Difference
Australia is making rapid progress on clean energy, yet most Australians don’t realise just how far we’ve already come. That perception gap matters—not only for public confidence in the clean energy transition but also for investment, industry strategy and political leadership.
As the Albanese government prepares to announce Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target, new research from the Clean Energy Solutions Index survey shows Australians are ready to go further and faster on renewable energy. Encouragingly, public support remains strong even though many people underestimate our current achievements.
Australians underestimate clean energy progress
A nationally representative survey of more than 3,000 Australians found that 62% believe less than 30% of our energy supply comes from renewables. In reality, clean energy already makes up 46% of electricity in the grid – a 30% jump since 2021. On some days, renewable generation has exceeded 75% in several states, with Western Australia peaking at 85%.
This disconnect between perception and reality is striking. It reveals that while Australians underestimate the scale of progress, they still overwhelmingly want the country to aim higher. When asked how much of our energy should come from renewables by 2030, the median response was 51–60%, with many supporting even more ambitious targets.
Confidence is the missing ingredient
In my years researching climate sentiment, one pattern is clear: Australians often feel daunted by the scale of the energy transition, but inspired when they see that change is already underway.
Confidence and trust are just as critical as policy and infrastructure. If people understood more clearly that Australia is already halfway to a renewable energy system, it would help address common concerns about reliability, affordability and feasibility.
This isn’t only about community attitudes – it’s a signal to markets. Public appetite for clean energy strengthens social licence, reduces investor risk and aligns Australia with global capital flows that are rapidly shifting away from fossil fuels.
A clear message for investors and policymakers
Australians expect a majority renewable energy system by 2030. That expectation should shape investment decisions, regulatory frameworks and government policy. Ignoring it risks falling out of step with public sentiment and global capital trends.
Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the global clean energy race with abundant wind and solar resources, strong innovation capacity, and a proven track record of attracting international investment. But leadership requires more than infrastructure. It requires visible progress, clear communication and public trust.
The path forward
The insights from the Clean Energy Solutions Index survey are clear:
- Australians support a faster clean energy transition with tangible benefits to households, businesses and the communities that host renewable energy infrastructure.
- They want ambitious renewable energy targets.
- Their confidence grows when they see progress.
The question is no longer whether the transition will happen—it is who will shape it, who will deliver it and who will benefit from leading the way.
Australia is ready. The opportunity is here. The challenge now is to match public confidence with political ambition and industry investment.
