Public support for renewable energy technology hits all-time high

• Government survey finds that public support for renewable energy technology hits 85% – an all-time high
• Electric vehicle ownership continues to rise
• 30% of population would consider buying an electric vehicle
• 74% of respondents admit to holding climate change fears
• Two thirds would support a large scale renewable energy development in their area

A new government survey has found that public support for renewable energy technology is at an all-time high.

The annual survey by the Governments Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has found widespread support for further mass adoption of clean technology to protect the environment from man-made emissions.

Concern over climate change rose slightly to 74%, up three percentage points from last year, meanwhile local support for large scale renewable energy developments grew to 66%, up from 58% in 2017.

The survey also found that electric vehicle ownership has risen in popularity, with nearly a third of the population (30%) having considered EV ownership at some stage and 12% now own or seriously considering purchasing an EV.

Commenting on the findings of the BEIS Energy and Climate Change Public Attitude Tracker (PAT) survey, James Court, Head of Policy and External Affairs at the Renewable Energy Association, said:

“This government data shows shifting winds in public attitudes towards energy.

“Concern over energy security is growing, as is concern over bills. Simultaneously, public support for renewables is at a record high with 85% being in favour of their use. This should be no surprise, renewables are now cost competitive with fossils, and cheaper in some circumstances, together with the fact that being more self-sufficient as a country is increasingly attractive.

“The Government can strike multiple birds with the same stone by re-introducing the policy support for renewables which have been withdrawn in the past years. Renewables are cheaper, provide future-proofed jobs and should be at the centre of Britain’s industrial strategy going forward.”

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Daniel Brown
External Affairs Officer
+44 (0)20 7981 0857
[email protected]

Notes to editors

The Energy and Climate Change Public Attitudes Tracker Wave 25 can be found here.

About the Renewable Energy Association (REA)

The Renewable Energy Association represents renewable energy producers and promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy in the UK across power, heat, transport and recycling. It is the largest renewable energy and clean technology (including energy storage and electric vehicles) trade association in the UK, with around 550 members, ranging from major multinationals to sole traders.

For more information, visit: www.r-e-a.net