Trust is broken: What Reform Voters think about Renewable Energy Development
Based on polling of more than 1,100 Reform UK voters, the report explores attitudes towards renewable energy infrastructure, levels of trust in institutions and developers, and the types of messaging that resonate most effectively with this increasingly influential political audience.
The research finds that scepticism towards renewable energy is often rooted less in the specifics of individual projects and more in a broader breakdown in trust towards political institutions, policymakers, and national net zero agendas. In this context, traditional messaging focused on climate targets and decarbonisation frequently struggles to connect with voters who feel politically and economically disconnected from decision-making processes.
Instead, the findings highlight the importance of demonstrating practical local benefits, visible community impact, and credible engagement at a local level. The report also identifies a significant opportunity for developers to build trust through transparent communication, strong local presence, and clear evidence of community benefit.
The report provides strategic insight for developers, communications teams, and infrastructure stakeholders navigating increasingly polarised political environments, and outlines the implications for community engagement, messaging, and project delivery.
