Scots Want Renewables-Oriented Government

Almost four in five Scottish adults (79%) believe the next UK Government should implement policies to continue to develop renewable energy, according to a YouGov poll ahead of the General Election.

That’s compared to just 26% who back fracking for shale gas, 45% who support new nuclear power stations and 49% in favour of the building or extension of coal and gas-fired power stations.

Respondents to the independent survey, commissioned by industry body Scottish Renewables, were also asked whether they thought the next UK Government should continue to take forward policies that tackle greenhouse gas emissions and climate change – with almost two thirds (63%) agreeing that it should, and only 14% disagreeing.

Jenny Hogan, Director of Policy at Scottish Renewables, said: “These poll results illustrate the strength of support for renewables among Scotland’s electorate. It is the only energy option that a majority of potential Scots voters say they would support.

“I believe this survey reflects the fact that most people in Scotland accept we must continue to change the way we power and heat our homes and businesses in order to tackle climate change.

“Renewable electricity generation in Scotland has doubled in recent years, and we hope that all the main political parties will continue to back the growth of our sector after May’s General Election – which certainly looks like the wish of potential Scottish voters.”

Ms Hogan, also highlighted the low levels of public support for many of the other energy sources likely to be built over coming years, saying: “Scottish Renewables has always campaigned for the development of renewable energy as part of a wider and balanced energy mix, but it is clear that there is limited support amongst the public for new gas, coal or nuclear power stations, and even less for the use of fracking to access onshore oil and gas reserves.”