UK: British public says renewables offer massive economic benefits - and wants more of them

The Public Attitudes Tracking Survey published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change shows that 70% of people see clear economic benefits to the UK from renewable energy. The survey also showed that 56% would be happy with a large-scale project in their local area.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive, Hugh McNeal, said: “It’s great that the British public sees how renewable energy is helping to grow the UK economy. Renewables are delivering investment and jobs throughout our country”.

An independent report by BiGGAR Economics last year found that the onshore wind industry generated £906 million in revenue to the UK economy in 2014. Each megawatt of onshore wind installed also brings in more than £2 million to the UK over its lifetime – and around 70% of the industry’s total spend remains in the UK.

RenewableUK’s Supply Chain Map highlights the thousands of companies winning work in this important industry.

Total support for all renewables rose to 81%, onshore wind has 69% of the public’s support, offshore wind is at 76%, and marine energy increased to 77%.