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Are Nimby concerns easing for UK wind farms?

New research shows strong public support for wind farms, with 70% backing further renewable energy development

Research shows that more people in the UK are accepting new wind farms.

New findings from developers Fred. Olsen Renewables indicate strong support for wind power.

Released during the Labour Party conference, the polling reveals that 70% of people back new renewable energy projects to meet national net zero targets.

Key results show that two-thirds of respondents think reaching net zero by 2050 is important.

Support for onshore wind farms is at 69%, with only 8% opposed, and 65% support wind farms in their local areas.

Many people also consider reducing electricity bills a main benefit of new renewable projects.

However, the research highlights that the government and industry need to better explain the economic benefits of renewable investment, as only 34% of people see growth as a potential advantage.

The survey, conducted by Diffley Partnership, included 1,012 participants from across the UK.

Finley Becks-Phelps, UK Development Director at Fred. Olsen Renewables, said: “This research is massively significant – it shows Nimbyism in retreat across the UK as far as clean power developments are concerned.

“People support wind power developments, and are hugely supportive even when proposed in their local area.”

RenewableUK’s Head of Policy James Robottom said: “Our research shows that doubling the UK’s onshore wind capacity to 30 gigawatts by 2030 would boost the economy by £45 billion and create 27,000 jobs.”

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