A new survey by Vattenfall, the Energy Barometer, reveals that UK households are in favor of expanding renewable energy generation, with many believing it will help reduce costs and improve the reliability of the UK's energy system. This marks the first time the survey has included the UK, allowing comparisons with five other European countries.
According to the survey, 54% of UK households want the government to continue investing in renewable energy sources, with only 9% opposing such support. The results are in line with sentiments in other European nations, where similar levels of support for renewable energy investments were recorded.
Despite this support, concerns about the construction of energy infrastructure, such as wind farms and substations in rural areas, were expressed by 62% of UK respondents. However, many households remain open to new energy technologies, with 65% saying they would be open to living in a property connected to a heat network, and 67% believing that increased use of renewable energy will lead to lower energy costs.
Additionally, 68% of UK residents feel that the growth of renewable energy sources will improve energy reliability by ensuring a more consistent supply and reducing the risk of power outages.
The survey also highlighted concerns about the cost of the energy transition, which were most prevalent in the UK, where 31% of respondents cited cost concerns, followed by France. In contrast, only 42% of respondents in Finland expressed similar worries.
The Vattenfall Energy Barometer, conducted in partnership with Statista, surveyed 1,000 people aged 18 and over in each of the six countries: the UK, Germany, Finland, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The survey also found that four out of five Brits consider a climate-friendly lifestyle important, a view particularly strong among those aged 18 to 35.
The survey underscores the growing public demand for renewable energy expansion, despite concerns about infrastructure development and costs.
