A new opinion poll suggests that people in the UK would prefer to have their electricity powered by wind and solar energy than coal and gas.
The poll, published by YouGov and commissioned by the Sunday Times, reveals that 69% of Britons want the current level of wind energy increased, while 17% of people support more gas and coal power stations.
The survey notes that 40% of Britons want more nuclear, compared to 11% of those surveyed who support oil-powered energy.
The only source of energy more popular than wind was solar power, with 72% in favour.
Less than a third of people supported ‘fracking’ to extract shale gas, which, the survey says, could risk contaminating ground water and causing minor earthquakes.
Commenting on the support for wind energy, RenewableUK deputy chief executive Maf Smith said: "Support is consistently strong, in this and other independent polls. One stark message from this survey is the public’s evident disenchantment with fossil fuels, including the unpopularity of fracking for shale gas.
"The British public is telling us that we are right to be making this landmark transition from a perilous fossil fuel addiction to a low-carbon future."
The poll also shows that only 11% of people think that government targets for reducing carbon emissions are the main cause for an increase in the cost of energy, compared to 17% who say the rising prices of oil and gas are to blame for the hike in our energy bills.
Just 4% think investing in new infrastructure and power plants is the main reason for bills going up.
Image: The majority of Britons support wind energy in the UK. Photo: courtesy of Harvey McDaniel.
