A new survey highlights the growing frustration among the British public over obstacles to renewable energy projects. Conducted by Opinium Research and commissioned by RenewableUK, the poll sheds light on the widespread desire for clean energy initiatives to proceed when they have local community support.

The UK-wide survey, which sampled 10,021 adults, reveals that 61% of respondents would feel frustrated if a local renewable energy project—such as new wind or solar farms, or grid infrastructure—was blocked by a small number of objectors, despite majority community support. Only 19% of those surveyed disagreed with this sentiment. Support for these projects is even higher among Labour voters, with 70% expressing backing.

Clear support for new grid infrastructures

A clear majority of those polled (59%) support the construction of new electricity grid infrastructure to deliver a faster roll out of low-cost renewable energy, with only 6% opposed.

Support for new grid infrastructure within five miles of people’s homes increases to 61% if it forms part of a national programme of upgrades to support investment in low-cost clean energy, and provides funding for the local community, with only 8% opposed. 

In its election manifesto, the Labour party said the lack of new grid infrastructure has become the biggest obstacle to the deployment of cheap, clean power, with some grid connection dates not being offered until the late 2030s. Ministers are now looking at how best to work with industry to upgrade our national transmission infrastructure and rewire Britain. 

RenewableUK’s Head of Strategic Communications Nathan Bennett said that “support for new wind and solar farms has been rising for several years now, driven by their low cost, concerns about the UK’s energy security and the need to tackle climate change. What’s interesting about this polling is that support doesn’t just remain strong when people are faced with the prospect of a wind farm in their local area, but there’s now a silent majority of people who would be frustrated to see local projects stopped by small groups of opponents.

Bennet added that “the polling on public attitudes to new grid infrastructure is also revealing, as it shows that the majority of people are happy to see new grid built near to them if the project is part of a clear national plan, provides local funding for communities and enables investment in projects which generate low-cost power. The Government is committed to introducing reforms to get vital new grid infrastructure built faster to make the most of our world-class clean energy resources, so we’re looking forward to making progress on this longstanding barrier as soon as possible”.