Poll Finds Growing Support for Clean Energy in the UK
A new UK public opinion survey has found growing support for clean energy, energy storage and long-term investment in energy infrastructure, while also highlighting widespread misunderstandings about how the country's energy system operates.
The report found that 63% of people believe clean energy makes the UK more energy secure, almost double the level recorded for 2020. Energy security has become an increasingly important issue, with concerns about reliance on imported energy rising following recent global energy market disruptions.
While lower energy bills remain the public's top priority, the survey found that half of respondents support spreading the cost of new energy infrastructure over many years rather than delaying investment. Just 28% preferred lower costs today if it resulted in higher costs in the future.
The polling also showed strong support for a more flexible electricity system. When asked what should happen to excess renewable electricity, 57% backed energy storage, while 46% supported upgrading the electricity grid. Only 4% favoured relying on fossil fuels when renewable generation falls short.
Beyond energy security and affordability, climate and environmental concerns remain important. 39% of respondents identified tackling climate change as a key priority, while reducing air pollution ranked among the most important future energy issues and is expected to become an even greater concern by 2030.
The report also found increasing recognition of the economic opportunities linked to the energy transition. Support for clean energy as a source of jobs and industrial growth has risen, with more people viewing the sector as a driver of investment and competitiveness.
However, significant confusion remains around today's energy system. Many people overestimate the share of household bills taken by energy suppliers, underestimate the amount of electricity already generated from clean sources, and misunderstand the government's Clean Power 2030 target.
The findings suggest that while affordability remains central to public opinion, support for clean energy is increasingly being driven by concerns over energy security, economic growth, cleaner air and long-term resilience.