Future Energy Among Top Issues for Australians, Shell’s Research Reveals

Research commissioned by Shell Australia has found that future energy (71%)#, living costs (78%)# and the public health system (79%)# are the most important issues facing Australians in 2013.

Shell Scenarios suggest that the global population is expected to grow from 7 billion today to 9 billion by 2050 causing energy demand to double in less than a century, placing significant stress on energy resources~. Australians are increasingly aware of this issue and our role in securing an energy future.

Ann Pickard Country Chair, Shell Australia commented; “We are not surprised to see Australians rating future energy as one of the most important issues for Australians. Over the next 30 years, the global energy system needs to undergo a transition as profound as any in its history and Australia has a key role to play in this.”

The “Future Energy Survey 2013” revealed that Australians most favoured a mix of energy sources to help meet this growing demand. Natural gas, a clean-burning ally to renewables, is considered by more than 40% of all Australians as the logical bridge between the reduction in oil and coal – the least favoured energy sources. Growth in renewable energy take up was also considered key with solar (87%) and wind (70%) viewed as the most preferred sources of energy for the future.

“Natural gas is able to play a much bigger role in meeting the future energy challenge than we had previously assumed. Australia is at the heart of the “natural gas revolution” – In this past decade alone we have seen our industry develop and perfect the technology needed to unlock gas from places previously assumed to be out of reach.” Ms Pickard said.

The survey also revealed over one third of Australians believe collaboration between industry, Government and the community will be key to finding the solutions to meeting future energy demand, although 65%^ of Australians believe Government has the most significant role to play.

“We, industry, the community and Government all have a responsibility to find innovative solutions to meet future energy needs. The power of our collaboration will define how successful we will be in addressing the challenges of the future.”

Smart policy decisions, community engagement and consultation will be critical. And the energy industry will have to learn how to scale up and integrate new processes and inventions quicker than ever before.” Ms Pickard said.

According to the survey, the majority of Australians want to reduce CO2 emissions with 85%^ of respondents recycling and 76%^ using energy saving products as a personal bid to help reduce CO2 emissions.

“Our increasing demand for energy is taking place against a backdrop of environmental concerns. Our challenge is to produce far more energy for a world with far more people while continuing to reduce CO2 emissions.”

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Survey highlights:

Future energy needs (71%), the public health system (79%) and living costs (78%) are the three most important issues facing Australians during 2013.

Gas (42%) and renewable energy (including solar 87% and wind 70%)^ are among the most preferred future energy sources for Australians.

Over one third of Australians believe industry collaboration is the most important factor in building future energy solutions.

65% of Australians think that Government has the biggest role to play in creating a better energy future.

Around three in five Australians are surprised to know the oil and gas industry is the leading investor in new energy technology.

56%# of Australians consider it very important to reduce CO2 emissions while only 4%* believe it is not important at all.

The most important issue facing development of future energy solutions is cost (36%), followed by the environment (23%).

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February 15, 2013