CDU Study Highlights Renewable Energy Disparities
A recent study by Charles Darwin University (CDU) highlights a growing divide in energy efficiency between renters and homeowners in Darwin and Palmerston. This gap impacts efforts to reduce energy consumption and combat climate change.
The tropical climate of the Northern Territory makes air conditioning a necessity, with about 45% of residential electricity use attributed to it. According to the study, 96% of respondents reported owning and using air conditioning systems.
Lead author Riasad Amin, a PhD candidate at CDU’s Northern Institute, remarked on significant differences in access to energy-efficient technologies between renters and homeowners. Only 47% of renters were willing to pay more for renewable energy, compared to 70% of homeowners.
Tenure-Related Barriers to Efficiency
Renters face limited opportunities to install energy-efficient upgrades or invest in residential energy technologies due to rental restrictions. Amin mentioned, “Renters typically have a more limited scope to install efficiency upgrades, modify cooling systems, or invest in residential energy technologies.”
The study focused on energy practices in Darwin and Palmerston, surveying residents about their electricity use and thoughts on energy-efficient options. It found that 34% of respondents owned their homes, while the remainder rented.
Among low-income households, 84% agreed that renewable energy is essential for climate change mitigation, yet over 50% were unwilling to pay extra for it. In contrast, over 80% of high-income respondents acknowledged the importance of renewables, with 68% willing to pay more.
Of the seven specific energy-saving practices examined, renters were more likely to turn off appliances, while homeowners engaged more in practices like washing clothes in cold water and using high-efficiency appliances.
The findings suggest that energy-efficiency programmes should combine environmental responsibility with tangible benefits, such as improved comfort and stable energy costs, to be effective.
Despite the willingness of 47% of renters to pay more for renewable energy, access to energy-efficient appliances and upgrades remains a challenge due to landlord-tenant incentives and limited capital access.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:51 am
