Wind and Solar Campaigns Undermine Renewable Support in Australia 2026

Organised campaigns against wind and solar energy have proved “extremely effective” in undermining community support for renewable energy in Australia, according to a new survey. The findings reveal that while enthusiasm for electric vehicles has jumped, support for onshore wind and solar farms has dropped, highlighting a growing challenge for the clean energy transition.

Survey reveals declining support for wind and solar farms

The annual Clean Energy Solutions Index, led by social trends expert Rebecca Huntley, found that levels of “deep support” for home batteries and rooftop solar remain high, but support for large-scale wind and solar projects has fallen compared to last year. Australians report receiving more negative than positive messages about windfarms, indicating the effectiveness of anti-renewable campaigns.

Why anti-wind campaigns are so effective

Huntley explained that these campaigns, often promoted by conservative groups, only need to create the perception that others think windfarms are a bad idea. “It isn’t difficult at this stage to get people to think renewable energy is a good idea,” she said. “But you can get people to think there is no social licence for a fast transition.” This perception gap is critical for policymakers and industry leaders.

Lack of trust in regional communities

At the renewable energy industry’s annual summit in Sydney, the Clean Energy Council acknowledged a “fundamental problem” with trust in regional and rural communities. To address this, they proposed a nationwide legislated scheme where local councils receive payments from renewables companies for every megawatt hour of electricity generated over a project’s lifetime.

Comparison of support levels across technologies

Key takeaways for the renewable energy sector

• Organised anti-renewable campaigns are highly effective at shaping public perception, even when most Australians support clean energy.
• Trust in regional communities is a major barrier; financial compensation schemes could help build social licence.
• Support for electric vehicles has increased, likely influenced by global events such as Trump’s attack on Iran.
• Home batteries and rooftop solar remain the most popular clean technologies, offering a foundation to build on.

Path forward: rebuilding community trust

To counter negative messaging, the industry must engage directly with local communities, provide transparent benefits, and highlight the economic and environmental gains of renewable projects. The proposed council payment scheme is a step toward ensuring communities feel they benefit fairly.

Experts suggest that consistent, positive communication and visible local investment can shift the narrative. As Huntley notes, creating a perception of broad support is key—something that requires proactive outreach and education.

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