Onshore wind enjoys support of 70% of Brits - survey

Apr 30, 2014 - About 70% of British residents support the development of onshore wind projects, a new survey by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) shows.

According to DECC’s latest Public Attitudes Tracker poll, this level is the highest approval figure since March 2012. Results from the study come soon after the British Conservative party said it would not subsidise the development of new onshore wind farms if it wins the elections in 2015. “This poll should serve as a clear wake-up call for the Conservatives,” said trade body RenewableUK’s CEO Maria McCaffery.

Meanwhile, offshore wind is supported by 77% of the British population. Wave and tidal also scored 77%, while shale gas is backed by only 29% of Brits.

DECC’s study also reveals that 70% of the respondents think renewables bring economic benefits to the UK, as compared to 47% for nuclear. About 80% of the population is concerned about the UK becoming dependent on energy imports and 75% of the people think that investment in renewables should be ramped up.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!