New research commissioned by E.ON has uncovered a desire for more investment in local clean energy projects.
It found overwhelming support for the 2030 (67%) and 2050 (65%) emissions and net zero targets, with more than half (51%) of respondents wanting to see greater levels of investment in clean energy projects in their local areas. Furthermore, 52% want local councils to make homes greener and cheaper to run as a way of improving the sustainability credentials of their community.
However, just 5% feel listened to when it comes to decisions being made around local green investments.
Turning to local investment priorities, with the context being which local services are in need of immediate investment to have the biggest impact on their area’s carbon footprint or improve energy efficiency, public transport (32%) was the top-ranking answer, followed by hospitals (30%) and residential properties (23%). Schools, colleges and universities (21%), public buildings (18%) and commercial premises (18%) also featured.
Across the board, lowering carbon emissions remains to be a priority for people living in the UK with Londoners (71%) and 18-24 year-olds (76%) the most supportive of 2030 targets. Conservatives (53%), Labour (83%), Liberal Democrat (80%) and Green (90%) voters all had a majority in favour of net zero targets, while still almost a third (29%) of Reform voters back the goal.
Based on these levels of public support, E.ON emphasised how it underscores the need for local and national governments to engage with communities on practical, impactful, sustainable investments, helping to lower bills, increase energy security and create jobs.
Chief Commercial Officer at E.ON Infrastructure Solutions UK, Vijay Tank, explained: “Through local investment in clean energy, we can lower bills and emissions, and improve energy security by reducing our reliance on expensive fossil fuels. Councils are facing the challenge of trying to deliver both long-term infrastructure investment and support for those struggling with the cost of energy, but it doesn’t need to be a trade-off between lower bills and clean energy. They can co-exist to create a greener, more secure energy future with fairer pricing.”
