Renewables have contributed billions to local economies in Reform UK-controlled authorities, says new report.

A new report published by net zero infrastructure communications agency Alpaca Communications and planning, sustainability and economics consultancy Third Revolution Projects has quantified the positive economic benefits of renewable projects in local authorities controlled by Reform UK.

The report, titled 'The Economic Case for Renewable Energy in Reform UK-Controlled Authorities', seeks to counter critical anti-net zero sentiments by demonstrating the positive impacts of net zero infrastructure and putting forward narratives that will resonate with local communities and councillors. Using a methodology based on job creation, capital investment, and gross value added (GVA) to the local economy, it assesses the economic benefits of solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) granted consent between 2021 and 2025 in each council area controlled by the party.

Across the ten authorities analysed, utility-scale solar and BESS projects (>5MW) consented between 2021 and 2025 will over their lifetimes:

• Contribute a £19.4bn GVA to the local economy

• Produce 133,653 years of employment during construction

• Create 2,525 permanent jobs during the infrastructure’s operational phases.

The report comes as debates around the cost of net zero has come under increased scrutiny from both Reform UK and the Conservative Party in the lead-up to the local elections on 7th May.

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This report shows that renewable energy is not an abstract net zero ambition – it’s a real economic driver delivering jobs, investment and long-term value to local communities.

Alex Rowntree, Senior Significant Projects Manager at Alpaca Communications

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This analysis is grounded in a transparent, conservative methodology using established economic assumptions. By analysing consented utility-scale solar and battery projects, the report avoids hypotheticals and focuses on outcomes that are genuinely expected to materialise and will resonate with voters.

Dan Hay, Director at Third Revolution Projects

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Read The Economic Case for Renewable Energy in Reform UK-Controlled Authorities in full.

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To find out more, please contact alex.rowntree@alpacacommunications.com or dan.hay@thirdrevolutionprojects.co.uk