According to a report from Onward, renewables typically have the public’s backing, even among rural voters who are most likely to see new projects near them.

A total of 57 per cent of rural voters would support an onshore wind farm three miles from their home, while just 17 per cent oppose it, the poll showed. Even new grid infrastructure has marginal net support, with 31 per cent in favour and 30 per cent opposing.

But small, vocal minorities will always push back against any development. These campaigns are effective at placing pressure on local and national politicians of all parties, and resulted in the effective ban on onshore wind projects in 2016. 

According to Onward’s polling, over three quarters of rural voters agreed renewable energy projects should financially contribute in some way to local communities. Ireland, France and Germany have all utilised different forms of community benefits to support the development of their electricity networks...