British public backs renewables and wants more projects in their areas

Official government statistics show that the British public believes renewable energy provides noticeable economic benefits. More than half the people surveyed also said they want more clean energy projects built in their area.

The Public Attitudes Tracking Survey published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change highlighted that 70 per cent of people see clear economic benefits to the UK from renewable energy.

The survey also showed that 56 per cent of people would be happy with a large-scale project in their local area.

Overall the public’s support for all renewables rose to 81 per cent. Onshore wind has 69 per cent of the public’s support, offshore wind is at 76 per cent, and support for marine energy increased to 77 per cent.

RenewableUK, the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK, is pleased with the statistics.

Hugh McNeal, Chief Executive at RenewableUK, said: “It’s great that the British public sees how renewable energy is helping to grow the UK economy. Renewables are delivering investment and jobs throughout our country.”

RenewableUK is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewable industries.

An independent report by BiGGAR Economics last year found that the onshore wind industry generated £906 million in revenue to the UK economy in 2014.

Each megawatt of onshore wind installed also brings in more than £2 million to the UK over its lifetime and around 70 per cent of the industry’s total spend remains in the UK.

RenewableUK’s Supply Chain Map highlights the thousands of companies winning work in the industry. The map can be accessed here: renewableuk.com/en/renewable-energy/supply-chain-map.cfm.

The full Public Attitudes Tracking Survey can be read here: gov.uk/government/statistics/public-attitudes-tracking-survey-wave-17