In February 2026, EDORA commissioned IPSOS to survey 1,500 Walloons aged 18 and over. Quotas were applied for gender, age and province. Fieldwork ran from 12 to 17 February, before the outbreak of the Iranian conflict.
That covers the methodology. The results are unambiguous.
88% of Walloons in favour of renewables
This is not a left-wing vote. MR voters come in at 88% — exactly in line with the Walloon average. Les Engagés score even higher. That is a fact worth sitting with for a moment before moving on.
What drives this support? Two things, mainly. 73% of respondents consider renewables essential for the climate. 69% see them as a lever for energy independence — an argument that has gained weight in recent years. The economic angle — local jobs, lower bills — convinces roughly one in two Walloons. Not yet the dominant reflex, but present.
67% believe the Walloon government should accelerate.
Solar: little resistance
82% of Walloons support solar energy. 88% want it further developed in the region. It is seen as the cheapest renewable (71%) and the easiest to install (80%).
Where it gets genuinely interesting: Walloons are not limiting their ambition to rooftops. Solar parks in industrial zones: 82% in favour. On large car parks: 75% in favour. On agricultural land, provided farming is not significantly affected: 72% in favour.
That is a strong green light for those still hesitating to launch projects.
Wind: living nearby changes things
Wind energy is where the public debate is most charged. And it is here that the survey produces its most instructive result.
15% of Walloons have a wind turbine visible from their home. 27% live in a municipality that has one. These residents are more favourable to wind energy than others — and not marginally so. Before a turbine was installed in their area, 64% were already in favour. After: 72%. Direct experience dispels a significant share of the fears.
The question of property values is a good illustration. Among those who do not yet have a turbine nearby: 36% anticipate a negative impact on the value of their property. Among those who do: 23%. And the majority says there has been no notable impact.
As for Walloons who are not yet living near wind farms, 60% would accept a turbine in their municipality if regional standards — acoustics, distances, landscape integration — are respected.
Those who have invested are the most convinced
6 out of 10 Walloons have already taken the step: photovoltaic panels, insulation, heat pumps, biomass. Their satisfaction is striking — 95 to 96% for panels and insulation. And unsurprisingly, these same people are more favourable to renewables than those who have not yet acted: 7.9/10 versus 7.4/10. Concrete experience is the best argument.
The remaining 40% are not sceptical. The primary reason given for not having invested is being a tenant (55%). Next comes cost — insufficient subsidies or the investment perceived as too heavy (47% combined). These are structural barriers, not a rejection of the technologies themselves.
The silent majority exists. And it is overwhelmingly in favour.
Who speaks at public information meetings? Often, the same people. Organised opponents — present, prepared, vocal. This survey does not say their concerns are groundless. It says they do not speak for the majority.
The majority does not come to meetings. It does not sign petitions. It does not write letters to mayors. But it exists, and at 88%, it is in favour.
For developers and municipalities facing active local opposition, this data is useful — not to short-circuit the debate, but to ensure it reflects reality.
Source: IPSOS for EDORA, survey of 1,500 Walloons aged 18 and over, fieldwork 12–17 February 2026, margin of error ±2.5%.