- Onshore wind is more popular than ever (79%, up from 76%) – and more popular in Scotland than the rest of the UK (80% to 79%)
- Wave and tidal power and offshore wind are also more popular in Scotland than in the rest of the UK (84%/82% and 85%/83%)
- A new high of 80% of the public are concerned about climate change
Responding, Scottish Renewables Chief Executive Claire Mack said: “These results reflect the change which is taking place not just in our energy system, but in society too.
“As awareness of climate change and its impacts increases, so too does our determination to tackle its cause: carbon emissions.
“Onshore wind – our cheapest form of new power generation – is now more popular than it has ever been, and more popular in Scotland than in the rest of the UK.
“That split is reflected, too, in Scots’ attitudes to wave and tidal power generation and offshore wind – salient as projects off Scotland’s east coast begin to build out.
“Today’s figures, produced by the UK Government, serve to show that the exclusion of onshore wind from the energy market remains wrongheaded. Our industry is already providing investment, jobs and lower carbon emissions across Scotland and the UK, and with the right support from government we can grow those tangible benefits as we lead the world’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.”
- Statistics can be found on the UK Government’s website.
- More information on onshore wind’s exclusion from the energy market can be found here, while details on marine energy are in this report.
