Report

Whose energy transition is it anyway?

Think tank: Social Market Foundation

Author(s): Niamh O Regan; Jamie Gollings

January 23, 2025

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation examines the British public’s level of trust in the net zero transition and in heat pumps in particular.

Given ambitious net zero targets, the UK cannot afford to face a stronger ‘greenlash’.

In this report, we seek to understand the British public’s level of trust in the net zero transition and in heat pumps in particular, how engaged they feel in the process and by policymakers. Recent protests in Germany and other parts of Europe illustrate the importance of consistent policy, communication, and financial incentives in gaining public support for low-carbon heating solutions – to avoid a ‘greenlash’.

There is a risk of stronger greenlash in the UK. Nearly half of the population (48%) feels the net zero transition is being imposed on them rather than something they are actively part of. Trust in government efforts to involve the public is low, with many feeling uninformed about the changes required.

Examining attitudes towards heat pumps, SMF’s survey of 1,500 UK homeowners found that a substantial 42% do not know where to find reliable information on heat pumps, and only 30% feel confident in their knowledge. Only 14% of respondents said they trust government guidance on heat pumps.

We recommend that the government should urgently design and deliver a net zero public engagement strategy, in which heat pumps should be a central focus.