RenewableUK Hails Public Support for Windpower

RenewableUK, the trade association for the wind, wave & tidal industry, has welcomed the most recent in a string of polls that have demonstrated public support for the expansion of wind power.

• Poll commissioned by Sunday Times shows 56% of public support expansion of wind – only 19% against
• 60% of public support Government investment in wind energy

A poll commissioned by the Sunday Times and carried out by YouGov found that 56% of the public think that Britain should use more wind power – compared to only 19% opposed. The poll also shows that 60% of the public support further Government investment in wind.

Dr Gordon Edge, RenewableUK’s Director of Policy, said “This new poll demonstrates that even in difficult economic times, the public understands why the expansion of wind power is important – to secure jobs, enhance energy security and reduce our reliance on expensive fossil fuels.”

This research follows a separate poll commissioned by EDF that 72% of the public have a favourable attitude towards wind energy.

“This reinforces something we’ve known for a long time – only a small but vociferous minority is opposed to wind energy. RenewableUK’s members are seeking to engage even this minority in dialogue around wind energy projects, to ensure that communities that host a wind farm do so with an understanding of the technology and the benefits that a community can receive from taking part in this energy revolution.”

[mappress]
Offshore Wind Staff , December 14, 2011