Public support for pylon construction rises when used for renewables

There is a marked increase in public backing for new pylons when they are dedicated to renewable energy transmission, with support more than doubling across the UK, according to a new study. 

The study, commissioned by Neara and conducted among 2,000 adults, sheds light on the significant rise in public sentiment towards pylons that are designed for clean energy. While only 1 in 10 respondents initially supported new pylons within close proximity to their homes, this figure climbs to 1 in 5 when the pylons are aimed at enhancing clean energy access — a 117% increase in support.

This data aligns with ongoing national discussions about enhancing the UK's energy infrastructure to facilitate renewable energy, with Labour highlighting the necessity of overcoming local opposition to such developments. This is despite some political groups, such as the Green Party, recently coming out in opposition for new pylons that were proposed in East Anglia. 

National Grid’s announcement in May 2024 to install 6,000 new pylons to advance the UK towards its net zero goals underscores the urgency of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. Delays in connecting these sources due to slow grid connections and limited grid capacity have stalled numerous projects, with some facing up to 15-year waits.

Taco Engelaar, Managing Director at Neara, highlights the necessity of expanding infrastructure for clean energy, “It’s encouraging to see an increase in public support for pylons that are built for renewable energy. Infrastructure availability has proven one of the most formidable challenges to the clean energy transition and we need the right infrastructure to get clean energy sources out of the queue and connected to the grid.

“However, as you can see from the data, despite the boost that sustainable credentials bring, the general public isn’t clamouring to have new pylons installed in their area - opposition which is completely understandable. That’s why, alongside highlighting the sustainability benefits of the new infrastructure we do need, we must also explore ways to ensure we are getting all that we can from our existing infrastructure. 

“Studies suggest that new, AI-powered approaches to line rating will allow us to safely run more power through the existing grid and so that there’s more room for clean energy. These technologies can also help us provide better public visibility of exactly what new infrastructure in the local area will look like, by providing more accurate 3D visualisations before new pylons are plotted. Through this hybrid approach, we could unlock a route that will keep the public on side and speed up the transition to Net Zero.”

The study also highlighted regional and demographic differences in attitudes towards pylons. Yorkshire and the Humber demonstrated the greatest rise in support, with an increase of 244%, while Londoners showed a modest 53% increase when informed of the pylons' renewable purpose.

Moreover, Boomers (aged 55 and above) exhibited the most significant rise in acceptance, with support surging by 188%, suggesting a generational shift in perspective regarding energy infrastructure.

Despite these positive shifts, a substantial portion of the population remains neutral, with 1 in 3 Brits indifferent towards the installation of new pylons, even when associated with renewable energy benefits.