Most Brits agree the energy infrastructure isn’t up to the job — but many still don’t want new pylons, wind farms or solar panels near their homes, even with cash incentives.
That’s the paradox exposed in new polling by KPMG and YouGov.
While 72% of adults believe the current system won’t meet future demand, one in three (32%) would oppose at least one type of energy infrastructure being built within 500 metres of their home.
And for many of them, no amount of money will change their mind.
The Government wants 95% of electricity to come from low-carbon sources by 2030 but that ambition hinges on building more infrastructure — fast.
So ministers recently proposed discounts of up to £2,500 over ten years (equivalent to £250 a year) for people living near new or upgraded pylons.
The public broadly agrees that’s fair. Three quarters (74%) said bill discounts are reasonable for those affected. But when it comes to their own doorsteps, support drops sharply.
According to the survey:
- 20% would object to a solar farm within 500 metres
- 30% would object to a wind farm at the same distance
- 46% would object to electricity pylons nearby
Even with the offer of £250 off their bills for a decade, most remain unmoved:
- 78% of objectors to wind farms say they’d still say no
- 78% of those opposed to solar panels would also refuse
- 72% wouldn’t accept pylons, discount or not
And it gets more stark. Among those who said they’d object, most also said no amount of discount would sway them. That includes:
- 79% for wind farms
- 77% for solar farms
- 77% for pylons
So while opposition to the energy transition itself remains low — just 12% overall — the real barrier may be one of planning and public consent.
Simon Virley, Head of Energy and Natural Resources at KPMG UK, said: “Making sure the communities who are going to be home to new infrastructure are compensated appropriately is an important factor but it is clear that for some no level of financial incentive will suffice.
“A lot will hang on how effective wider measures within the Planning and Infrastructure Bill are at pushing through approvals and avoiding months and years of delays from the objections that are still likely to come.”
The message from the public is clear: we want cleaner energy, just not in our back garden.
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