European firms back more investment in renewables, survey finds

People and business leaders in Germany and nine other EU countries want more investment in renewable energy, a survey has found.

The survey was conducted for the Climate Opinion Research Exchange, an initiative of an international foundation based in Belgium. It also found broad support for reducing Europe's dependence on energy imports.

Business leaders and the wider public showed similar priorities on energy policy, including lower costs, less reliance on imports and greater energy security.

Executives were particularly positive about the economic benefits of renewable energy.

Respondents also agreed that investment in renewable energy could strengthen Europe's competitiveness and security. Around 74% of German business leaders said it could also help reduce energy price shocks.

Overall, support for issues linked to the energy transition was slightly higher among the business leaders surveyed than among the general public.

EU energy ministers are meeting in Dublin on Monday and Tuesday, with the bloc's energy security among the issues on the agenda.