Recently published data from YouGov has captured a snapshot of public perspectives on expanding renewables.
According to data from YouGov, almost three-quarters want to see the UK get more energy through solar. A similar amount of respondents support utilising more energy through tidal.
Support for increasing the use of other notable energy sources is as follows:
- 69% for offshore-wind
- 65% for hydroelectric power
- 61% for geothermal energy
- 59% for onshore wind
- 30% for nuclear power
When it comes to increasing use of fossil fuel power sources, all listed (shale gas, gas, oil and coal) have support under 10% each.
Support for the construction of more renewable energy infrastructure is also generally high. For instance, 4 in 5 respondents support building solar farms nationally with 75% in favour even on a local level.
Likewise, 81% support building offshore wind turbines on a national level while 73% approve on the local level. Other forms of energy infrastructure including nuclear, onshore wind and hydro-electric dams see more support for construction nationally than on a local level.
Public favourability views when it comes to various energy forms in general, not specified to expanding their use:
- 87% support tidal power
- 86% are in favour of solar power
- 74% hold positive views of geothermal energy
- 45% with favourabe stance on nuclear power while 40% view it unfavourably
- 82% view hydro-electric energy favourably
Other key findings from this poll include:
- 62% support the approach of government initiative GB Energy in principle*
- 72% support a similar initiative where the entity also sells to energy users directly
*That is to say the survey described GB Energy in principle while other questions in the poll explored other hypothetical initiatives.