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.
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