Government urged to address disparity in access to green tech

Government urged to address disparity in access to green tech

by Sophie Jenkins

London, UK (SPX) Apr 15, 2025

A new report from the University of Sheffield, produced in collaboration with the universities of Nottingham and Macedonia, calls on the UK government to expand its approach to promoting low-carbon technologies (LCTs) such as electric vehicles and solar panels. The study emphasizes that subsidies alone are insufficient and warns that without targeted action, socioeconomic disparities in access to LCTs may undermine the country’s legally binding 2050 net-zero targets.

Although the adoption of LCTs has grown in recent years-with household solar electricity systems rising from 3 to 6.5 percent, solar heating from 1.4 to 2.1 percent, and electric or hybrid vehicles from under 1 to 2.8 percent-the report highlights that these gains have not been equitably distributed. Persistent gaps remain along lines of age, education, income, ethnicity, and gender.

Dr Andrew Burlinson, from the University of Sheffield’s School of Economics, stated: “Our research suggests that some socioeconomic groups have not been adequately supported to adopt LCTs. So it is important to emphasise that by limiting the ability of the most disadvantaged groups to invest in technology that can lower their bills and increase resilience to fluctuating living costs – such as current high energy prices – may further exacerbate broader inequalities in our society.”

He further noted that early adopters of solar power and electric transport tend to be well-educated and relatively affluent. Meanwhile, many government-backed incentives have lapsed, notably the 2019 termination of domestic solar panel subsidies, leaving late adopters with fewer opportunities to benefit.

Current electric vehicle purchase subsidies are not tailored to account for a buyer’s economic status, the report observes. Without policies that directly target lower-income households, there is a risk of entrenching inequality in the ongoing green transition.

Professor Monica Giulietti of the University of Nottingham remarked: “In our report and new policy brief, we suggest it is vital that new interventions should be targeted towards those groups that could potentially benefit the most from cost-reducing technologies, not just at individual level but at a community level as well. This action will rely on addressing policy gaps in the private, rented and social housing sectors.”

The report proposes enhancing support for disadvantaged households not only through tailored financial mechanisms, but also through information campaigns delivered by trusted institutions. Raising awareness and improving education on LCTs are seen as critical to empowering underrepresented groups in making informed adoption choices.

Additionally, the authors advocate for a community-based approach to LCT deployment. Rather than focusing solely on individual households, collective solar installations and shared infrastructure could lower adoption barriers for renters and those without control over property modifications.

Dr Jayne Carrick of the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre highlighted local resistance: “A recent survey conducted by the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre into the region’s energy consumption habits revealed a significant hurdle to low-carbon technologies: 46 per cent of residents are reluctant to adopt solar panels, and 57 per cent are hesitant about heat pumps.”

She argued that embracing community energy initiatives and simplifying access to collective investment could play a crucial role in removing adoption hurdles.

Dr Burlinson concluded: “The findings of the new report add to the growing debate on the low individual uptake of LCTs, and the problems created for consumers from more disadvantaged backgrounds when access to the benefits of low-carbon technologies is unequally distributed.”

He underscored the need for focused interventions at both the individual and community levels to improve energy equity and ensure a just and resilient low-carbon transition.

Research Report:Socioeconomic inequality in low-carbon technology adoption