US renewable energy permitting issues prove public opinion matters                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Just yesterday, recharge.com released an extremely interesting opinion piece on the ongoing issues of US renewable energy developers being denied permits for new projects, leaving America’s renewable future in question.

Although political in nature, this article does raise a valid point that feels intensely relevant and relatable to us here in the United Kingdom, despite the 4000+ mile distance between the UK and USA: public opinion matters.

Authors Ayelet Hines and Mike Casey, responsible for the piece in recharge.com, explain that In the first six months of 2023 alone, permits for 70 large-scale projects in the US had been rejected, owing largely to exceptionally low public opinion of renewable energy projects in the USA, compounded by what Hines and Casey claim to be an outdated permitting strategy.

Of course, the political landscape over in the US is different to that here in the UK and, whilst direct comparisons cannot be made regarding either’s political stance, acknowledging the impact of public opinion - regardless of the country or nation - on the future of renewable energy, is of increasing importance.

Public opinion of renewable energy projects seems to be at an almost all time low in the US, owing to over a decade of ‘scandals’ and ‘bad investments’ leaving a very bad taste in the mouths especially of those living in rural areas where renewable energy projects are likely to be placed; close-knit, rural communities taking a “don’t mess with my view” standpoint.

This, coupled with what Hines and Casey call “loud and aggressive” opposition from the other side, makes for a US media littered with disinformation and a public reluctant to go renewable.

Here in the UK, we’re also no stranger to public concerns over renewable energy projects and, although the general public say they are all for the adoption of renewable energy to replace gas & oil (fossil fuels) there have been instances of public push back on renewable projects as well as reluctance to accept infrastructure expansions and adjustments made in preparation of the UK’s renewable future, particularly within the picturesque British countryside.

What’s more, recent developments related to the UK’s Net Zero goals - for example, less than 24 hours ago a handful of environmental organisations reported taking the UK government to court over a ‘deficient climate action plan’ - have lead to a run of negative headlines surrounding the legitimacy of renewable energy and its place in the energy market.

So, if public opinion is so important to full scale adoption of renewable energy, yet public opinion is wavering here in the UK and US - two prominent and influential nations - what are we to do?

There needs to be more readily available information on renewable energy and the impact of renewable energy on our homes, businesses and the environment, as well as more helpful information available to the public on the impact of individual facilities on the local environment.

Especially as, here in the UK, we’re in the thick of a cost of living crisis, price is immensely important to individual homes and families, and the average household will inevitably and understandably want to see at least 1 of 3 things:

1. Cheaper bills

2. Better value for money

3. A positive impact on the environment and a sense of ‘giving something back’

In order to fully get behind renewable energy as the UK’s primary energy source.

This, however, crucially without too much change or disruption to daily life.

And, the reality is that renewable energy projects are the future - they’re the key to energy security, lowering carbon emissions and achieving more affordable bills for the average household.