Scott Reid
PUBLIC support for wind power has risen in line with increased development,
a new poll suggests.
The YouGov survey for industry body Scottish Renewables found that 71 per
cent of people want the continued development of wind power as part of
Scotland’s energy mix, compared to 64 per cent in February 2013.
Support was highest among younger Scots, with 81 per cent of those aged
18-24 backing wind power, compared to 65 per cent of over-55s.
It was lowest in south Scotland (64 per cent) and the Highlands and Islands
(66 per cent), and highest in Glasgow and the Lothians (both 79 per cent).
Onshore wind capacity in Scotland has risen by 20 per cent over the same
time period, Scottish Renewables added.
Senior policy manager Joss Blamire said: “These poll results highlight once
again that not only do the vast majority of Scots support wind power, but
the number who do is actually increasing.
“The wind energy sector is thriving in Scotland, providing jobs, investment
and helping to tackle climate change – and these figures show it’s doing
all of this with the Scottish public right behind it.
“We are often told by a vocal minority of objectors that Scots don’t like
wind power but this poll shows there is absolutely no evidence to support
this – in fact, quite the opposite.”
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “It’s fantastic news to see the
growth in Scotland’s onshore wind capacity is matched by increased public
support for this clean energy source.
“It’s clear that the public know and like the fact that wind power is
helping to cut carbon, create jobs and keep the lights on.”
Welcoming the poll, energy minister Fergus Ewing said: “Scottish Government
policy on onshore wind farms strikes a careful balance between maximising
Scotland’s huge green energy potential and protecting some of our finest
scenic landscapes – planning authorities help to guide wind farms to the
best places and when wind farms don’t meet strict planning guidelines they
are rejected.
“Wind power, as part of a wider, balanced energy mix in Scotland, has a
pivotal role in the delivery of Scotland’s 2020 targets, with the latest
statistics showing that Scotland is on track for another record year of
renewable generation in 2014, with generation up 21 per cent over the first
three quarters of the year.”
YouGov polled 1,008 Scottish adults online between February 24 and 25.
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