Developed by independent market research company Ipsos, the guidelines are outlined in reports that ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht says will be an invaluable resource for organisations wanting to establish and maintain community support for the operation of Australian solar projects.
“The results show Australians strongly support renewable energy and demonstrate the importance of involving and consulting locals,” Frischknecht said.
“Key industry participants have welcomed the best practice guidelines, which can help the solar industry more effectively communicate the economic, environmental and social benefits of solar projects to nearby communities.
“As large scale solar becomes more common in Australia, companies can draw on these reports and the lessons learned during the construction of the ARENA-supported Nyngan, Broken Hill and Moree solar farms to enable more successful project development.”
Ipsos was provided with $A153,000 by ARENA to help produce the report, which Ipsos research director Jennifer Brook said found community backing often depended on clear communication from project stakeholders about the efficiency of large scale solar power.
“Details of any potential employment opportunities, project timelines and information about the area of land required to establish a large scale solar energy facility are also important factors in establishing community support,” Brook said.
“Early and ongoing opportunities for consultation and engagement with local communities about proposed large scale solar projects is vital to ensuring communities fully support these projects.”
As part of the research, Ipsos conducted an online survey of 1197 adults which found 77% of those surveyed believed large scale solar facilities could be a significant source of energy for Australia’s energy needs. Further, 78% of those surveyed supported large scale solar energy projects.
Ipsos also ran 15 focus groups in metropolitan and regional areas and interviewed 36 relevant stakeholders to inform the report.
The full report is available here.
