A Systems Thinking Approach to Address Social Acceptance Challenges in Australia’s Renewable Energy Transition

The transition to renewable energy (RE) is crucial in addressing global environmental challenges, yet most initiatives have traditionally emphasised technological innovation and cost efficiency, often neglecting their potential to generate social value. Social value creation encompasses positive impacts, including job creation, community development, and social equity, which are essential for long-term success and acceptance. A lack of acceptance by local communities is a significant barrier to increasing the RE targets in Australia. This study investigates the importance of integrating social acceptance for RE transition projects in Australia, using responses from a sample of 15 expert interviews. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study initially identifies key gaps in current RE initiatives, highlighting the underrepresentation of social outcomes. To complement these insights, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted using purposive sampling and stakeholders provided a deeper understanding of how social factors influence project outcomes. The findings were synthesised into Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs), which mapped strategies for effective energy integration across socio-political, community, and market domains, and CLDs were subsequently validated through focus group discussions. Findings highlighted that “lack of awareness within the industry” and “lack of standardised government policies around RET” as significant barriers. The findings suggest that a holistic approach, addressing social, environmental, and economic dimensions, is necessary to enhance the social acceptance of RE transition projects. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the social acceptance of RE by providing a systems thinking framework for stakeholders including policymakers. The study further recommends future research on policy frameworks and stakeholder engagement strategies to support this transition.