The Australia Institute’s new Climate & Energy Program has today released national polling showing 78% support for a Clean Energy Target (CET). 72% of Liberal and National Party voters support a CET. Just 11% of respondents did not want a CET.

“The public, industry, investors and experts are all crying out for some policy direction,” Executive Director of The Australia Institute, Ben Oquist said.

“While the Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg’s admission today that renewables is driving down prices is important, the suggestion that this is a reason to have no clear clean energy policy misses the point of a target – the sector desperately needs a market signal.”

“The Australian public is strongly supportive of a CET as a way of delivering more renewable energy.”

Question: Should the federal government introduce a new Clean Energy Target to encourage the construction of new clean energy sources in Australia?

Method: Between 17 and 26 September 2017 The Australia Institute conducted a national survey of 1,421 Australians through Research Now, with nationally representative samples by gender, age and state or territory. Results

“A well designed CET target can provide the market confidence that will drive down prices further. Without a policy mechanism like a CET or carbon pricing reliability will suffer.

“Together with more demand management, energy efficiency and smarter grid Australia can have it all – lower emissions, cheaper bills and a more reliable modern energy system

“But in the medium and long term, renewables and storage are the solution. Failing to establish a clear policy, such as a strong CET, will delay investment and achieve the trifecta of higher prices, greater instability and rising emissions,” Oquist said.