While a majority of Brits recognise the UK’s current energy infrastructure is unfit for the future, many remain firmly opposed to having new wind farms, solar panels or pylons built near their homes – despite offers to lower their energy bills.
In September 2024, Labour set out ambitious planning reforms that aim to streamline the process for approving critical infrastructure and overhaul rules on the compulsory purchase of land.
The UK currently faces an urgent need to revamp the electricity grid and accelerate new infrastructure to support the increase in renewable energy projects.
But to prevent backlash from local residents, the government has proposed slashing £250 a year off their energy bills.
Nevertheless, a survey from KPMG and YouGov found that one in three (32%) respondents would object to at least one type of energy infrastructure being built within 500 meters of their home, with no level of discount off their energy bills overcoming their objections.
It revealed that 20% of...