A new survey conducted across England, Scotland and Wales reveals strong public support for the development of new energy infrastructure in the UK, particularly projects aimed at strengthening energy security, boosting the economy and reducing electricity bills.

The polling, commissioned by several energy trade associations — including Solar Energy UK — and carried out by consultancy Early Studies, challenges one of the main assumptions in energy planning debates: that the visual impact of projects is the public’s primary concern.

According to the findings, only 11% of respondents consider visual impact to be one of the main priorities when addressing the country’s future energy needs. This perception remains almost identical across political affiliations, including Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green and Reform UK voters.

Economy and jobs rank among the public’s top priorities

Instead, the public places greater importance on issues such as industrial competitiveness (39%), reducing air pollution (37%) and protecting existing jobs (25%).

Energy sector organisations interpret these findings as a clear sign of public support for accelerating the energy transition and expanding infrastructure linked to clean energy, energy storage and grid modernisation.

However, the associations stress that public backing does not mean disregarding the local impact of projects. They argue that developers must continue working closely with communities, especially in areas experiencing cumulative effects from multiple developments.

Renewable energy sector calls for faster planning processes

The Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, Chris Hewett, said the study confirms the high level of public support for clean energy and highlighted growing recognition of the role of solar power and energy storage in strengthening the UK’s energy security.

“It shows that voices opposed to the energy transition are fundamentally out of touch with public opinion,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive Officer of Energy UK, stated that modernising and expanding infrastructure is essential to fully harness the country’s clean energy resources and ensure a future-ready energy system.

Similarly, Tara Singh, Chief Executive of RenewableUK, said the results show that the public understands the strategic importance of homegrown renewable energy in reducing the country’s exposure to international price volatility.

RenewableUK also welcomed the British Government’s recent proposals to limit the number of judicial reviews against wind farm projects and grid expansion plans, arguing that the measures could help accelerate the rollout of new energy infrastructure.