Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to engage with the public on the renewable energy industry.

This government is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the transition to net zero, supporting people and communities to take action and realise the benefits.

For large-scale renewable electricity developments, we encourage developers to engage with local communities at the earliest opportunity. We will integrate best practice principles of engagement into planning guidance, so that when developers consult with the local community on a proposed project, they do so in a considered, inclusive and responsive manner. We also use the Public Attitudes Tracker to poll the public on their views regarding renewable technologies on a quarterly basis.

We will publish a Net Zero Public Participation Strategy in 2025, which will set out how we will support people to adopt new technologies, as well as opportunities to ensure that public views are considered in policy development.

Government can’t achieve this alone. People also look to businesses, charities, scientists and local communities for advice and support. We have an opportunity to work in partnership to provide information, help people access grants and wider support and ensure that benefits of the net zero transition can be realised by all.