UK: Public support for wave and tidal rises

UK public has strongly backed the use of renewable energy resources with 81% in favor, according to the latest Public Attitudes Tracking Survey published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The survey shows that 70% of UK public sees clear economic benefits to the UK from renewable energy, and that 56% would be happy with a large-scale project in their local area.

Total support for renewables rose to 81%, with only 4% opposed. The support for the use of marine energy is at 77%, an increase of 4% from the previous survey.

Offshore wind was supported by 76% of public, with onshore wind marking 69% of the public support.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive, Hugh McNeal, welcomed the survey results, stating: “It’s great that the British public sees how renewable energy is helping to grow the UK economy. Renewables are delivering investment and jobs throughout our country.”

The data for the survey was collected between March 23-27, 2016, using face-to-face in-home interviews with a representative sample of 2,105 households in the UK.