A study by the energy regulator Ofgem has found that 24% of UK consumers, nearly one in four, are planning to buy an electric car or plug-in hybrid vehicle in the next five years. The research, which was done ahead of Ofgem’s conference last month to mark the start of its ‘green, fair future’ campaign, sheds light on consumer awareness and concerns about the future of renewable energy in the UK.

Ofgem this week announced just over £300 million of investment into low carbon energy infrastructure, including plans for around 1,800 electric car charging stations across the UK. The plans are part of a wider £40 billion investment programme for safe, secure and clean energy which will help the country hit ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions by 2050.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for the coal industry to prove financially sustainable. Investors are reportedly requiring returns of up to four times those required from sustainable investments in order to justify the increased risk of backing fossil fuels in the longer term. The proof is piling up that renewable energy generation is gaining ground.