Public attitudes to wind farms
The results of surveys into public attitudes to wind farms are remarkably consistent. They typically suggest that 70-80% of the UK public support wind farm development. Those who live near operational wind farms tend to be even more positive with support levels of up to 94% being recorded.
Those who oppose wind energy typically make up only 8-16% of the population. It's this minority who often lead resistance to wind developments. Following construction, the level of opposition generally decreases whilst the level of support rises.
"I would like to place on record how opposed to the wind turbines I was. I even had a letter in the Yorkshire Post against them and that was before they became a reality. However they have turned out to be if anything an 'asset' to the area, both aesthetically and environmentally. We could really do with having a lot more of them, as they are adding to our energy in a green way, and look very majestic." Robina Herrington, a neighbour of E.ON's Out Newton Wind Farm and Embrace Champion.
"Interestingly the NOP survey commissioned by the DTI finds that despite all the hot air and scepticism from certain quarters, 85% of the general public support the use of renewable energy, 81% are in favour of wind power and just over three fifths would be happy to live within 5km of a wind power development." Malcolm Wickes (June 2006 speaking in his role as then Energy Minister)
Those who oppose wind energy typically make up only 8-16% of the population. It's this minority who often lead resistance to wind developments. Following construction, the level of opposition generally decreases whilst the level of support rises.
"I would like to place on record how opposed to the wind turbines I was. I even had a letter in the Yorkshire Post against them and that was before they became a reality. However they have turned out to be if anything an 'asset' to the area, both aesthetically and environmentally. We could really do with having a lot more of them, as they are adding to our energy in a green way, and look very majestic." Robina Herrington, a neighbour of E.ON's Out Newton Wind Farm and Embrace Champion.
"Interestingly the NOP survey commissioned by the DTI finds that despite all the hot air and scepticism from certain quarters, 85% of the general public support the use of renewable energy, 81% are in favour of wind power and just over three fifths would be happy to live within 5km of a wind power development." Malcolm Wickes (June 2006 speaking in his role as then Energy Minister)
Public attitudes to wind
| Year | Poll | Results |
| March 2012 | You Gov/EDF Energy | 61% of UK consumers believe the government needs to invest more in renewable energy. 12% would be prepared to pay more for energy from a renewable source. |
| April 2012 | Renewable UK/ Ipsos MORI poll | 67% in favour of the use of wind power in the UK, with 28% 'strongly in favour'. 59% believe that the use of wind energy is helping to tackle climate change and help us to reduce carbon emissions. A majority (57%) find the look of wind farms on the landscape acceptable and a fifth (20%) completely acceptable. |
| July 2012 | DECC Public Attitudes Tracker - Wave 1 | 61% of UK consumers believe the government needs to invest more in renewable energy. 12% would be prepared to pay more for energy from a renewable source. |
| August 2012 | Visit Scotland | 83% stated that their decision to visit a place would not be affected by the presence of a wind farm. |
| September 2012 | DECC Public Attitudes Tracker - Wave 2 | 77% of British public want electricity from renewable sources. 73% of people support development of offshore wind, 66% support onshore. 74% concerned that UK too dependent on energy from other countries. |
| October 2012 | YouGov/ The Sunday Times | 69% of British public want current level of wind energy increased or maintained. 17% support more gas and coal power stations. |
| October 2012 | ICM Research | 68% would be likely to support local renewable energy projects. |
