Official poll shows consistently high level of public support for renewables

The latest Public Attitudes Tracker, published quarterly by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, shows 82% of people support the use of renewable energy, while only 2% oppose it. Since the poll began in 2012, support for renewables has remained between 74% and 85%.  

The popularity of offshore wind stays high at 81%, while onshore wind also enjoys a huge majority of support at 77%. Wave and tidal energy has the backing of 80% of the public.

76% of people said they were concerned about climate change.

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Melanie Onn said: “Even while we face the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19, the public supports continued action to avoid the worst the impacts of climate change and make our economy more sustainable.

“Investment in new renewables, which is supported by 82% of people, will stimulate growth and employment as the economy recovers from the impacts of the virus. Renewable energy capacity will grow rapidly this decade and beyond to meet our net zero emissions target, and our industry will be investing tens of billions of pounds and creating much-needed jobs across the UK”.