Porter Novelli, in collaboration with Quantum Market Research, has launched a new research study titled 'Winds of Change: Regional Australians’ Real Views on Renewables'. The study delves into the perspectives of regional Australians on renewable energy projects, aiming to provide insights into how these projects can succeed through improved community engagement and addressing misinformation.

Porter Novelli has a history of working with organisations such as X-Elio, HAMR Energy, and Spark Renewables on renewable energy projects in regional Australia. This study challenges the common perception that regional Australians are resistant to renewable energy, revealing a more nuanced reality.

The research was designed to answer three key questions: the stance of regional Australians on renewables, the influence of disinformation on perceptions, and the communication strategies that can build stronger support for renewable projects.

Key findings of the study include: 67% of Australians in both cities and rural areas support renewable energy projects, 66% of regional Australians support renewables but believe only 49% of their peers do, and 79% of regional Australians aware of renewable projects say they’ve never been invited to participate in discussions.