Press release: Britons favour nuclear over solar and wind as future energy source

New YouGov research commissioned by Eland Cables suggests renewable energy has passed an important milestone in public opinion: most Britons now support it, but many are no longer judging it on principle alone.

• Nuclear is the UK's preferred future electricity source, with 21% of Britons thinking it should be prioritised, ahead of solar (19%) and offshore wind (18%).
• 47% support nuclear power stations nationally, although support falls to 38% when developments are proposed locally.
• 64% of Britons feel positive about renewable energy sources, while just 12% feel negative.
• 51% doubt renewables will provide affordable energy costs and 51% doubt they will generate enough power to meet UK demand in the next ten years. 

For years, renewable energy has been framed as part of a transition, a future-facing technology that would eventually become a larger part of the UK's energy system.

But new YouGov research commissioned by Eland Cables suggests the public may already have moved beyond that debate.

The survey of more than 2,100 adults in the UK found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of Britons feel positive about renewable energy, while only 12% feel negative. Additionally, 44% believe the UK's transition towards renewable energy is happening too slowly, compared with just 18% who think it is moving too quickly.

Taken together, the findings suggest renewable energy has achieved broad public acceptance and is increasingly viewed as a permanent feature of Britain's future energy system.

However, the research also points to a growing gap between support for renewable energy and confidence in what it can deliver.

Half of respondents (51%) think it is unlikely renewables will provide affordable energy costs over the next decade, while an identical proportion (51%) doubt renewable generation will be capable of meeting the country's future energy needs. Meanwhile, 46% are unconvinced renewables will provide energy security from global conflicts and market changes, and 44% think it is unlikely renewable systems will deliver consistent performance throughout the year.

The research also suggests many Britons see nuclear power as part of the answer to these concerns. When asked which electricity source the UK should prioritise, nuclear was first at 21%, ahead of solar (19%) and offshore wind (18%). National support for nuclear power stations stands at 47%, although this falls to 38% when developments are proposed locally.

Taken together, the findings indicate that support for renewable energy does not necessarily come at the expense of other low-carbon technologies. Instead, many Britons appear to favour a balanced energy mix capable of delivering reliability, affordability and long-term energy security.
 
Support remains strong across all major renewable technologies, with 75% backing offshore wind developments, 65% supporting onshore wind and 61% backing large-scale solar projects. 

Yet support becomes more cautious when projects move closer to home. While many (45-67%) continue to support local renewable infrastructure, support levels fall for every energy technology tested, suggesting people are becoming more focused on how infrastructure is delivered and what benefits it provides locally. 

The effect appears particularly pronounced among homeowners. More than half (55%) believe additional renewable infrastructure would negatively affect local landscapes and green spaces, compared with 43% of renters, suggesting concerns increasingly centre on how projects integrate into local communities rather than whether renewable energy should be developed at all.

The survey also found that public scrutiny should not be mistaken for opposition. Despite concerns around performance and local impacts, nearly half of Britons still believe the transition is progressing too slowly (44%). This suggests criticism may increasingly reflect rising expectations rather than declining enthusiasm. 

Commentary from Eland Cables

"These findings suggest the public is no longer asking whether renewable energy should be deployed. The bigger question is now whether the benefits are being felt yet." said Jean-Sébastien Pelland, Executive Director at Eland Cables, a supplier of electrical cables supporting renewable energy and other critical infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.

"While support is high, there's still a lot of uncertainty around issues like energy costs, security of supply and future demand. That tells us the conversation is becoming less about ambition and more about delivery. For the industry, that raises the bar. It's no longer enough to measure success by megawatts installed. As renewable energy becomes a bigger part of the UK's energy system, the conversation naturally shifts from generation alone to the wider infrastructure behind it. The networks that connect, distribute and support that power will play a critical role in delivering the reliability and resilience people expect."

For deeper insight into the trends, attitudes and concerns shaping the UK’s energy transition, access the full research report here. 

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Samantha Williams, PR Manager, Eland Cables
+44 (0)20 7241 8747 | swilliams@elandcables.com 

Survey notes: All figures are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,142 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9-10 July 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (18+).

About Eland Cables
Eland Cables is a leading supplier of electrical cables to industry, driving growth in sustainable infrastructure across Europe and beyond. From renewable energy to railways and e-mobility to data centres, its products play a vital role in electrification and decarbonisation. 
Headquartered in London, and led by executive director, JS Pelland, the company combines technical expertise with a commitment to quality and innovation, supported by The Cable Lab® - an accredited testing facility recognised globally for impartial assessments and technical excellence. 
Featured in publications including Forbes, London Evening Standard, and The Times, Eland Cables is praised for its commitment to sustainability and ESG practices that strengthen operations and support its people.