Investors say UK outperforms competitors on renewable power mix and innovation

• Investors continue to rank the UK positively for its sustainability credentials, when compared to other countries.
• The EY survey of 360 international investors reveals that 60% see the UK’s high share of renewable electricity generation as a competitive strength.
• More than half (53%) of the investors surveyed view the UK’s ecosystem of innovative, cleantech and sustainability businesses as better than global competitors.

The UK remains a leading destination for sustainability-related investment, with international investors rating its performance as better than or equal to global competitors, according to the majority of international investment decision-makers polled by the EY 2026 UK Attractiveness Survey.

When asked how the UK is performing across a range of sustainability-related areas compared to other countries, more than 80% of the 360 investment professionals surveyed said either better or on a par for every area.

In addition, 60% of investors rated the UK positively for renewable provision in electricity supply, while 53% believe the UK’s ecosystem of innovative, cleantech and sustainability businesses is superior to that of other countries.

The EY UK Attractiveness Survey also analysed levels of Foreign Direct Investment and shows that that the UK remained the second most attractive location in Europe for energy-related FDI projects in 2025, behind only France. This is despite a 51% year-on-year decline in UK energy FDI projects, from 55 projects in 2024 to 27 in 2025, which span oil and gas and utility supply, including renewable energy, transmission and storage.

The investor survey also identified several areas where the UK maintains a competitive advantage. More than two-fifths (42%) of the investors surveyed said the UK performs better than international competitors for regulation that supports sustainable business, access to finance for sustainability projects, and in the availability of the talent and skills needed to deliver future projects.

When asked which areas the UK should focus on to help maintain its competitive position in the global economy, the most popular response – given by more than a third (36%) of investors – was supporting strategic industries such as the cleantech and AI sectors.

Rob Doepel, UK Managing Partner for Sustainability at EY, said: “Our research highlights the solid foundation the UK has to build on as a destination for sustainability-related investment, possessing many of the credentials and skills that investors are looking for when allocating long-term capital. Along with the strength of its financial markets, it is particularly encouraging that investors continue to see the UK as home to a leading ecosystem of innovative cleantech and sustainability businesses. This should provide confidence for companies looking to develop export-ready solutions, and for green finance to continue to be invested into UK enterprise.

“We know the importance of the energy transition to the long-term success of the UK economy. Continued progress, supported by a stable and supportive policy environment, will be essential to helping sustainability-focused businesses grow, strengthening UK competitiveness and driving long-term economic growth."