New polling shows UK consumers want a renewables-led Energy Supply Strategy

The polling from Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest generators of electricity and heat, revealed that 40% of domestic consumers supported reforming the planning process to build renewable energy projects more quickly. Just under a third (28%) said planning decisions should be speeded up for all types of new energy project. Only 2% of consumers opposed a simplification of planning processes.

Renewables also attracted the bulk of consumer support for improving the UK’s energy security. More than three in five (61%) UK adults think that renewable energy solutions are the most effective way to guarantee the UK’s energy security. Offshore wind was identified as the most effective solution for guaranteeing energy security by 28% of consumers, followed by solar (27%), and nuclear generation (23%).

Danielle Lane, UK Country Manager for Vattenfall said:

“There is clear public support for more renewable power to help guarantee the UK’s energy security. But without a coherent strategy to reduce the barriers to deliver these projects, as well as reforms to speed up planning decisions, consumers won’t feel the benefits of renewable energy quickly enough.

“The UK urgently needs a single agency for offshore wind development to coordinate leasing, consenting and vital issues such as grid connection and environmental protection - similar to the role the Oil and Gas Authority plays for that sector.”

Danielle Lane, UK Country Manager at Vattenfall

The research also revealed that the continuing price rises have forced consumers to change their habits. Overall, 76% of people surveyed said they were taking steps to reduce their current usage; 46% said they were turning their heating down, and 43% said they were wearing more layers of clothing around the house. 29% said they were taking steps to install energy-efficient household solutions, such as smart meters (17%) or permanent insulation(8%).

Notes to editors:

Research conducted for Vattenfall by Opinium of 2000 UK adults between 18th – 22nd March 2022.

Respondents were asked the following questions:

1. Has the Ukraine crisis and its effect on increasing the cost of home-heating, made you actively seek to use less  gas/ oil?
2. Which form(s) of energy do you currently think would be the most effective solution for guaranteeing the UK’s energy security? Please select up to two.
3. Would you support or oppose reform of the planning processes for energy projects, to allow them to be built more easily, and connected to the National Grid more quickly?
4. Which, if any, of the following actions have you and your household taken as a result of the recent rise in energy and fuel prices?