Nuclear power polarizes opinion in the UK, with nearly equal numbers being for it as those against it. According to a recent YouGov poll, 45% of UK consumers believe recent events such as Fukushima demonstrate the potential dangers involved, whereas 44% believe nuclear can be safely operated.

Almost a quarter (24%) of UK consumers have both positive and negative opinions towards nuclear energy. Interestingly, men are much more likely to have positive opinions on nuclear energy, with 53% saying the government needs to develop the UK’s nuclear power generation capacity compared to only 19% of women.

Those interviewed had stronger views on renewable technologies- 61% believe the government needs to invest more in renewable energy, despite having an understanding that renewable energy is more expensive.

The YouGov ‘SixthSense Alternative Energy’ report interviewed 2,224 adults in November 2011.