New Opinion Poll Shows 66% of Brits in Favour of Wind Energy

In direct response to National Opposition to Windfarms campaign, launched today, the wind trade body, RenewableUK released the results of a poll it commissioned to determine the public’s true feelings about wind power.

Quite tellingly, when asked ‘To what extent are you in favour of, or opposed to, the use of wind power in the UK?’ 66 percent confirmed that they were in favour, whilst only 8 percent voted against.

Maria McCaffery, CEO of RenewableUK, said that, “it's clear that the majority of those surveyed are supportive of energy from wind – strongly indicated from our survey results. Wind is an abundant, clean, secure and affordable energy source. It is therefore not only undemocratic to allow the vocal anti-wind minority to derail the UK's plans for renewable energy, but also damaging to our economy, undermining investment and jobs that will help to rebuild communities across the country and put the UK on a path to future economic prosperity.”

Juliet Davenport, CEO and founder of renewable energy utility company Good Energy, was pleased the public could see that “despite all of the various claims and counter-claims, the simple fact is that onshore wind is a reliable, efficient and cost-effective way of generating electricity. With so much wind resource available in the UK, it's an energy opportunity that cannot be overlooked. It's great to see that public opinion recognises that in spite of the best efforts of some to claim otherwise.”

Keith Allott, head of climate change at WWF UK, announced that it is “a real shame that the government is giving out such mixed messages on renewables which are seriously impacting investor confidence. Today we heard the news that Doosan Power Systems are scrapping their UK investment plans, just weeks after General Electric said that their plans to invest in UK wind power were 'on hold' due to UK ministers' dithering on reform to the energy market.”

If the results of the poll can be trusted it suggests that the UK government needs to back the demands of its public and therefore support wind power soon; if not, it could see more and more investors pull out in a move that could damage the future of the industry.

By. James Burgess of Oilprice.com