Scots prioritise investment in renewable energy over oil and gas or nuclear, finds YouGov

The vast majority of Scots prioritise investment in renewable energy over oil and gas, shale gas or building new nuclear power stations, according to a new poll by YouGov.

Scottish Renewables commissioned the poll of 1,013 people, finding that 70 per cent want to see more renewable energy, while 42 per cent of respondents said government should not prioritise building new or extending the life of fossil fuel power stations.

Only 33 per cent of those polled said new nuclear power plants should be treated as a priority, with 19 per cent choosing to back fracking.

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Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “The poll suggests that the people of Scotland continue to be strongly behind the growth of renewable energy, with support for the sector way ahead of any other.

“Just months after the Paris climate change agreement, the poll also shows clear support for Scotland’s next government to prioritise policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Two-thirds of those polled agreed the next government should “continue to take forward policies that tackle greenhouse gas emissions and climate change”.

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, commented: “When given the choice it's clear that the public would rather see more renewables than fossil fuels or nuclear power. The message to politicians ahead of May's elections is clear – continue to prioritise renewables and commit to ensuring Scotland becomes the EU's first fully renewable electricity nation by 2030.

“Independent research has shown that it is possible for Scotland to have a secure, efficient electricity system, based on almost entirely renewable electricity generation, by 2030. Not only is it possible, these new figures show it is by far the most popular public vision for the future."

Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Mary Church said: “What this poll tells us is that people want strong action on climate change, including renewable energy, and they don't want unsafe, unnecessary industries like shale gas and coalbed methane.

“Given the urgency of climate science, the growing evidence of the risks associated with fracking, and mounting public pressure for real change, the Scottish Government must get to work on delivering a swift and fair transformation to a fossil free energy system within a generation.”

YouGov also asked the public which energy device they would consider installing at home, with 39 per cent showing support for solar PV panels, 36 per cent choosing solar thermal panels, 21 per cent backing wind turbines, and 20 per cent selecting biomass boilers and heat pumps.