Research

This research project aims to identify the key requirements for a social licence to operate facilitating the adoption of low-carbon fuels by industry users and the community. The main research objectives include developing an understanding of various stakeholder attitudes towards future fuels and monitoring changes in attitudes of those stakeholders via longitudinal, deliberative and other research methods and processes.

Key project deliverables include social research reports on stakeholder attitudes and trustworthy information tools which project proponents and policy makers can use to assist in the safe introduction and use of future fuels.

Project updates:

Future Fuels CRC has released the following open access report: ‘Assessing public and end-user perceptions: Risks of renewable gases such as hydrogen’. Download the report and the Technical Appendices.

National public survey on attitudes towards biogas (April 2023): the Future Fuels CRC has released the results of a national survey on biogas which was conducted in mid-2022 (data collection occurred between 24th May and 7th June 2022). The survey was undertaken to understand the public’s response to biogas as a future energy source (Download full survey report). The survey builds on an earlier literature review on social acceptance of biogas (click on link to access) which revealed that studies in relation to public perceptions of biogas are limited.

Report on engagement and workshops with policymakers (September 2022): online workshops were held with government and industry policy makers and influencers in which they discussed and responded to findings from the national public survey (see above) and citizens’ panels (see RP2.1-07). The associated project report summarises key insights into how they responded and current perceived needs and requirements in the realm of future fuels policymaking. Download the project report

National public survey on attitudes towards hydrogen (August 2021): the Future Fuels CRC has released the results of a national public survey of over three thousand Australians on public attitudes towards hydrogen conducted between 29th January and 20th February 2021. This survey found widespread public support for producing and using hydrogen both in Australia and for export, as well as that awareness about hydrogen is growing. Download full survey report

The research results produced to-date support the activities happening now in every State to develop Australia’s hydrogen industry. Current and ongoing work will further clarify social licence requirements as well as the information needs, concerns and views of key stakeholders (e.g. affected local communities, trades and associated workers and emergency service workers and the broader public). These research outputs can inform the creation of a wide range of information and communication materials.

The research from this work package should also be helpful to inform the other Research Programs of relevant societal issues and the perceived benefits that an emerging hydrogen economy can bring.

Dr Stephen McGrail

Research and Education Program Coordinator

stephenmcgrail@futurefuelscrc.com