The UK-wide poll of 10,021 UK adults reveals that 61 per cent would feel frustrated if a local renewable energy project supported by the majority of the community was blocked from being built by a small number of objectors. Only 19 per cent disagreed. Support is even higher among Labour voters at 70 per cent.
A clear majority of those polled (59 per cent) support the construction of new electricity grid infrastructure to deliver a faster roll out of low-cost renewable energy, with only 6 per cent opposed.
Support for new grid infrastructure within five miles of homes rises to 61 per cent if it's part of a national programme to boost low-cost clean energy and provides community funding, with only 8 per cent opposed.
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Labour's election manifesto highlighted the lack of grid infrastructure as the biggest barrier to deploying affordable clean energy, with some connection dates delayed until the late 2030s. Ministers are now exploring ways to collaborate with industry to upgrade the national grid and rewire Britain.
RenewableUK's Head of Strategic Communications Nathan Bennett said: "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.
"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."
