Polling by Opinium Research, commissioned by RenewableUK, shows that the majority of people want new clean energy projects to go ahead where they have local support and would be frustrated if new wind and solar farms were blocked by a small number of objectors.

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.

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. Support for new grid infrastructure within five miles of people’s homes increases to 61 per cent 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.

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.”

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