The new government should roll up its sleeves and take on “net zero nimbys” if it wants to green the UK’s power and economy, a thinktank has said.

The raft of new cables, pylons and renewable energy projects needed to power the switch to clean energy is “likely to face fierce resistance from local groups”, the Resolution Foundation said today.

Overcoming this opposition is crucial to ensuring “things actually get built” so that all parts of the country can enjoy the benefits, such as lower electricity bills, it added.

Jonny Marshall, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: “Doing this effectively will require overcoming opposition to development from net zero nimbys, who often live in wealthier parts of the country.

“The government must be prepared to win these battles, which won’t be popular with some voters, but are vital for the country as a whole.”

Areas with more clean energy infrastructure – such as battery storage, onshore wind and solar farms – all tend to be in areas with richer, older residents, the thinktank said, with almost two-thirds of proposed solar projects in the richest 40% of neighbourhoods.

In its first few weeks in office, Labour has lifted a de facto ban on onshore wind, approved three new solar farms and started on easing planning rules – to the consternation of MPs such as Conservative Alicia Kearns in constituencies that will host some projects.

On Thursday Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the biggest threat to rural communities was “not solar panels… but the climate crisis” – which is what the transition to green energy is designed to tackle.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The UK has already cut emissions by 53%, but is off track for its next target of a 68% cut by 2030, the country’s climate advisers warned last week.

Progress so far has largely come from ditching coal and ramping up offshore wind – changes barely visible in most everyday lives.

The next step requires an explosion in infrastructure around the country to generate, transport and store electricity, with financial incentives mooted for host communities. The foundation warned of the risk of poorer communities footing the bill for those incentives paid out in richer areas.

As well as a further huge increase in clean power, the next step also requires a mass switch from fossil fuel technology such as boilers and petrol cars to clean tech like heat pumps and electric cars.

The clean counterparts are often cheaper over their lifetime, but their high upfront costs can prohibit poorer households from investing in them.

The thinktank said the government must “offer grants to specifically help poorer households over this affordability barrier” – warning that previous schemes such as the Green Homes Grant have “failed” to do so.

Read more on Sky News:
Anti-whaling activist arrested in Greenland and may be extradited to Japan
Five ‘fanatic’ Just Stop Oil protesters jailed for plot to block M25

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “We are wasting no time in implementing the bold climate and energy plan needed to deliver our mission for greater energy independence.”

They added: “It is also important we listen to people’s concerns, and where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should benefit directly from it”.

Its upcoming Warm Homes Plan will include support for heat pumps, solar panels and batteries and upgrade millions of homes, they said.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Green Party MP Adrian Ramsay is resisting plans for new pylons in his East Anglian constituency of Waveney Valley, which would transport electricity from offshore windfarms to homes onshore, despite his party calling for the most ambitious decarbonisation targets.

He has been criticised for opposing what the National Grid calls “vital infrastructure”, inducing Torsten Bell, former Resolution Foundation and now newly elected Labour MP.

“You can be pro-net zero or pro-zero building but not both,” he wrote on X last week.

Sky News has contacted the Green Party with a request to comment.

Related posts:

Sir James Dyson defends texts to PM over tax status of employees UK considers joining existing US-Mexico-Canada trade deal as hopes of standalone US agreement fade Cost of living and prime minister’s future in focus as election campaigns reach climax Nearly 50,000 sign petition backing Gordon Brown’s call for emergency budget to tackle cost of living MP argues stranger who tried to get her kids taken away was given ‘green light’ by police Terrorists face tougher prison rules to prevent spreading extremism behind bars Deadline extended for government to hand over Johnson WhatsApp messages to COVID inquiry Asylum bill doubles to nearly £4bn as Sunak says cost is ‘unacceptable’ Sunak says ‘more to come’ on tax cuts in fresh hint at pre-election giveaway Does it matter how young or old our politicians are? MPs consider forcing Cameron to answer questions in Commons Scotland’s new leader scraps controversial gender recognition reforms