Survey reveals public frustration over renewable energy projects being blocked

The survey of 10,021 UK adults found that 61% would feel frustrated if a local wind or solar farm, supported by the community, was stopped by a small number of objectors, while only 19% disagreed.


Support for renewable energy is particularly strong among Labour voters, with 70% expressing frustration at stalled projects. The poll also highlighted broad public support for new grid infrastructure, with 59% in favour of building it to facilitate faster deployment of cheap renewable energy.


Nathan Bennett, head of strategic communications at RenewableUK, highlighted that public support for clean energy is growing, fuelled by concerns about energy security and climate change. Bennett noted that there is currently a “silent majority” of people who would be frustrated if local projects were stopped by a minority of opponents.


The findings come as Labour’s election manifesto identifies the lack of new grid infrastructure as a significant barrier to the rollout of cheap, clean energy. With some grid connection dates pushed back to the late 2030s, the government is exploring ways to speed up the modernisation of the country’s transmission infrastructure.

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