New polling across England, Scotland and Wales shows strong public backing for the UK’s energy infrastructure programme, with clear priorities centred on jobs, climate change and economic strength, rather than visual appearance.
The results of the polling, undertaken by Early Studies and commissioned by a group of leading energy trade associations, challenge a long-standing assumption in planning debates. They find that visual impact, which is often cited as a leading objection, is in fact the lowest-ranked concern for the public, with just 11% of respondents selecting it as a main consideration for future energy needs.
This view is consistent across the political spectrum, from 12% of Labour and Conservative voters to 11% of Reform UK voters and 10% of both Liberal Democrat and Green Party voters, highlighting near unanimous national alignment.
Instead, the public is focused on the practical outcomes of energy infrastructure such as lower bills, secure livelihoods and a strong, growing economy.
Significantly larger portions of the public prioritise industrial competitiveness (39%), reducing air pollution (37%) and protecting existing jobs (25%).
Importantly, this does not mean people and developers are unconcerned about where and how infrastructure is built. Rather, it shows that visual impact is not as high a priority as is often presented in planning debates, and the public is prepared to support infrastructure that drives growth and job creation even when there is a visual impact.
It remains essential, however, for infrastructure developers to continue working with communities, particularly in areas where we are seeing cumulative impacts from development of multiple projects.
The findings underline strong support for delivering energy infrastructure at pace, helping the UK strengthen its resilience against global price shocks, volatile energy markets and supply disruptions, while accelerating the transition to clean power.
Although visual impact continues to feature prominently in planning debates, this new data shows it does not reflect the priorities of most people. Across communities and political divides, the focus is firmly on building a competitive, secure and future-ready energy system.
With energy projects being developed across the country, strong public support for investment, job protection and a stronger British industry is a welcome signal.
Alfred Malmros, co-founder of Early Studies, said, “We’re encouraged by the results, which show strong public support for energy infrastructure focused on energy security, climate change, jobs and a competitive UK industry. These priorities far outweigh concerns about visual impact, and reinforce the importance of delivering the infrastructure needed. With all its economic and security benefits, it’s clear clean power is the future our public wants.”
Aaron Gould, Interim CEO of ADE said, “We need to start making best use of British renewable power and recover the heat from things like data centres. The best way to do this is by embracing a demand-led energy system, and building out modern networks for heat and power that befit a modern society – so we wring every ounce of value from the energy we generate.”
Olivia Powis, CEO of the CCSA, added, “This polling shows the public back the benefits that clean energy projects, such as carbon capture, can bring to communities across the UK.”
Tom Greatrex, Nuclear Industry Association Chief Executive, added, “This polling shows that the public backs clean power investment when it means energy security, lower bills and good skilled jobs. Nuclear provides all three.”
Further information on the polling data cited is available here.
