• A Charles Sturt researcher is helping improve community consultation around the renewable energy transition across regional NSW
• The research will help inform the roll out of the revised NSW Energy Policy Framework
• The research is one of nine projects awarded a JMI Policy Challenge Grant

A Charles Sturt University researcher is helping break down barriers between regional communities and renewable energy proponents as NSW aims for net zero emissions by 2050.

Senior Research Fellow in Energy and Circularity in the Charles Sturt Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment Dr Simon Wright is collaborating with fellow Charles Sturt academics, Macquarie University, RE-Alliance and other energy industry and community experts to conduct the research project, ‘From Social License to Social Contract – Formalising Community Benefits in the NSW Net Zero Transition’.

Dr Wright said the study will use workshops, surveys and other tools to understand how regional communities and key stakeholders can work more collaboratively to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

“The study will allow us to investigate the broader impacts and benefits of the energy transition for affected communities,” Dr Wright said.

“We have seen considerable resistance to the development of renewables and supporting grid infrastructure in the regions due largely to poor engagement with members of the affected communities, leading to lack of ‘social licence’.

“This research aims to accelerate an equitable net zero transition while promoting a fairer distribution of wealth in regional areas through creative policy co-design.”

The research is one of nine projects awarded a James Martin Institute for Public Policy (JMI) Policy Challenge Grant, recognising projects that aim to develop and advance policy solutions in line with key government priorities.

“The main goal of our research is to provide quality inputs at the policy formulation stage to the NSW Net Zero Commission and inform the roll out of the revised NSW Energy Policy Framework, particularly when considering the interests of rural communities in NSW,” Dr Wright said.

“With deep connections to government and a reputation for policy formulation and impact, JMI plays a critical role in helping transform this research into action for landholders, regional communities and developers.

“It also helps to formalise the social contract and to provide a firmer footing for communities to proactively drive outcomes that deliver social and economic value and equity in the regions.”

Research will commence in regional NSW communities next year and run for 18 months.