More Scots back wind energy, poll finds

Scotland has seen a rise in public support for wind power in the last two years. More than seven in 10 Scottish adults (71%) polled last month said they supported […]

Scotland has seen a rise in public support for wind power in the last two years.

More than seven in 10 Scottish adults (71%) polled last month said they supported the continued development of wind farms as part of the nation’s energy mix.

That’s in comparison to 64% in February 2013, according to the YouGov survey commissioned for industry body Scottish Renewables.

It was highest among the younger generation, with 81% of those aged between 18-24 backing the renewable source.

Joss Blamire, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables 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.”

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing added: “Renewable energy can make a significant contribution to sustainable economic growth, help to cut emissions and mitigate climate change. They also help deliver secure, low carbon and cost-effective energy supplies in unstable times.

“Scotland is already providing around a third of the UK’s renewable electricity generation and helping to keep the lights on across our islands at a time where there is an increasingly tight gap between electricity supply and demand.”

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