Public support for renewable energy in the UK remains overwhelmingly high, with 81% of people backing the use of renewables for electricity, heating and fuel, according to the latest Public Attitudes Tracker published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The findings were highlighted by RenewableUK in a statement released on 2 July.

The latest survey shows that support for renewable energy has increased from 78% in the previous wave, conducted four months earlier, while only 4% of respondents said they opposed the use of renewable energy.

The report also found that 78% of people are concerned about climate change, a figure that remains broadly consistent with previous surveys.

Support remains strong across specific renewable technologies. According to the survey, 73% of respondents support onshore wind, 78% back offshore wind, 80% support wave and tidal energy, and 84% favour solar power.

The findings also point to broad recognition of the sector's economic contribution. Seventy percent of respondents agree that the renewable energy industry brings economic benefits to the UK, while 80% believe it is important for renewable energy projects to deliver direct benefits to local communities.

Commenting on the results, RenewableUK's Executive Director of Policy and Engagement, Ana Musat, said it was encouraging to see that public support for renewable energy had remained consistently high throughout successive waves of the government's official survey.

"The latest polling shows that any political party which does not support renewable energy is out of step with the overwhelming majority of public opinion," she said.

Musat also pointed to RenewableUK's latest EnergyPulse report, which states that the offshore wind industry has invested £100 billion in UK projects over the past 25 years and plans to invest a further £100 billion over the next five years.

According to the report, employment in the offshore wind sector is expected to more than double, rising from 40,000 jobs today to 95,000 by 2030.

RenewableUK also said its research indicates that the areas of England and Wales expected to experience the strongest offshore wind job growth are the same areas where Reform UK and the Conservative Party are forecast to win 80% of parliamentary seats at the next general election, highlighting what the organisation described as a growing gap between politicians sceptical of renewable energy and the local economic opportunities created by the sector.