What kinds of energy sources do Australians want to use?

A new survey by market research company Ipsos has identified how Australians feel about a range of energy sources. Overall, the survey demonstrated that the majority supports using clean, green energy sources.

"The results show Australians strongly support renewable energy and demonstrate the importance of involving and consulting locals," said Australian Renewable Energy Agency CEO Ivor Frischknecht. 

The data from the survey was converted to percentages and the various energy sources were ranked according to their popularity. Here are their results, in order from most popular to least.

1) Solar panels on homes

A whopping 87 per cent of Aussies strongly support adding solar panels to their homes to supply electricity.

More and more homes in Australia will see solar panels installed.

 2) Large scale solar energy facilities 

As many as 78 per cent of Australians favour using the green energy from big scale PV plants. This year, progress has already been made in the sector as the largest plant in the Southern Hemisphere was completed. The Nyngan Solar Plant in Western New South Wales was built using an admirable 1.36 million solar panels.

Larger solar panel plants are in demand as more people want to turn to them as a key energy source.

3) Wind farms

Using the traditional method of wind farming stays a well-liked choice by 72 per cent of the nation. 

Wind farming remains a highly popular choice for supplying energy to the country.

4) Hydro

Equally favoured as wind farming, 72 per cent value using hydro power as a major energy source for their daily needs. 

Building dams to harness hydro power is another clean, green approach for energy production.

5) Tidal energy

Surrounded by surging waves and oceans, harnessing the energy of the tides seems a viable and practical choice for supplying energy to the states and territories, and 52 per cent of people agree. 

Using the powerful force of the tides for energy is practical for an island country.

6) Geothermal

Turning to the natural heat under the Earth's surface is another green option for generating power, and 45 per cent feel using it by setting up networks of pipes underground is a good plan. Engineers and designers have already created geo-exchange pumps to be constructed under houses to naturally heat the water supply. 

Using the natural heat under the Earth is another sustainable energy source.

7) Nuclear

Surprisingly, this is not the least popular energy source, although only a marginal 26 per cent favour it. The well-known risks and dangers of using nuclear energy are likely influencing the small demand for this source.

It is unsurprising that nuclear energy remains an unpopular source.

8) Coal

Respecting the fact that the planet is increasingly facing limited resources, it comes as no great surprise that coal is rarely preferred as the ideal energy source. Only 23 per cent of Australians wish to use coal as the source for their power and electricity needs. 

Posted by Nikki Wilson-Everett