Public support for onshore wind hits record high amid mounting concern over climate change 09 May 2019 (0 Comments)

Posted by: Rob Norris

Share | RenewableUK is highlighting the record level of public support for onshore wind in the latest opinion poll commissioned by the Government on the public’s views on energy and climate change. The Public Attitudes Tracker, published today by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy today, shows that 79% of people support onshore wind, beating the previous record of 76%, set in April 2018. The poll also shows that a new high of 80% of the public are concerned about climate change. Onshore wind is currently excluded by Minsters from competing in auctions for contracts to generate power, despite the Government’s own opinion polls showing that this technology – which is the cheapest way to produce new electricity - consistently enjoys overwhelming public support. Support for wave and tidal power also reached a new record high of 82% (up from 81% set last April). These technologies are not currently supported by Government policy either, even though public support has remained high since the official Government polls began in 2012. Support for offshore wind remains at a record high of 83%, equalling the record set last April. RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Emma Pinchbeck said: “The Government is being told by industry, consumer groups, the National Infrastructure Commission, its own climate advisors, devolved governments, international investors and now a record breaking 79% of the public and billpayers, to change their policies and support onshore wind. What exactly is stopping them? In a climate emergency, we need to use every tool in the box”. (ends) For further information, please contact: Luke Clark, Head of External Affairs 0207 901 3037 or 07973 481 907 Luke.Clark@RenewableUK.com

Robert Norris, Head of Communications, 0207 901 3013 or 07969 229 913 Robert.Norris@RenewableUK.com Notes: RenewableUK’s members are building our future energy system, powered by clean electricity. We bring them together to deliver that future faster; a future which is better for industry, billpayers, and the environment. We support over 400 member companies to ensure increasing amounts of renewable electricity are deployed across the UK and access markets to export all over the world. Our members are business leaders, technology innovators, and expert thinkers from right across industry. 2.BEIS Public Attitudes Tracker is available here

