According to a recent study from the University of Sheffield, to achieve its ambitious net-zero emissions goals by 2050, the UK government must do more than offer subsidies for low-carbon technologies (LCTs) like electric vehicles and solar panels. Developed in collaboration with researchers from the universities of Nottingham and Macedonia, the report highlights significant socioeconomic disparities limiting uptake among disadvantaged groups despite overall increasing adoption.

In recent years, the number of UK households using solar panels for electricity generation has more than doubled, from 3 per cent to 6.5 per cent. Similarly, solar heating technology adoption rose from 1.4 per cent to 2.1 per cent, and electric or hybrid vehicle usage increased from under 1 per cent to 2.8 per cent. These trends indicate growing national acceptance of low-carbon technologies, yet socioeconomic inequalities remain a considerable barrier.

The study identifies age, education, occupation, ethnicity, and gender as significant influences individuals’ ability to invest in these technologies. Dr Andrew Burlinson from the University of Sheffield’s School of Economics highlighted that current policies inadequately support disadvantaged groups, exacerbating existing inequalities and limiting their resilience to fluctuating energy prices.

The UK government currently subsidises some electric vehicles at purchase, but these subsidies are rarely linked to socioeconomic status, and support for domestic solar installations ended in 2019. The researchers argue that targeted financial and educational incentives must be reintroduced, primarily aimed at lower-income communities, to ensure equitable access and help achieve national decarbonisation targets.

Professor Monica Giulietti from the University of Nottingham advocates for broader, community-level initiatives beyond individual households, particularly in private, rented, and social housing sectors. Community-based solar installations could substantially reduce individual financial burdens, improving accessibility for those without direct control over their housing or transport.

Dr Jayne Carrick from the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre reinforced the necessity for comprehensive policy reforms, highlighting survey findings that nearly half of residents are reluctant to adopt solar panels, and 57 per cent hesitate regarding heat pump technologies. Dr Burlinson concluded that targeted policies addressing socioeconomic inequalities are essential for fairness and enhancing household energy efficiency and resilience during the transition to a sustainable future.

More information: Andrew Burlinson et al, Socioeconomic inequality in low-carbon technology adoption, Energy Economics. DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108244

Journal information: Energy Economics Provided by University of Sheffield