Engineering news
The use of nuclear power to generate electricity in the UK is attracting growing support from the public, an official survey has revealed.
The latest public attitudes research for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) found that 42% of UK adults supported nuclear energy in March 2014, compared to 38% in September 2012.
Opposition to the technology dropped from 27% in September 2012 to 20% in March this year, the survey of more than 2,000 people found.
Support for renewables has been consistently strong since the survey was launched in March 2012, with four-fifths of the public supporting the use of renewable technology to provide electricity and heating.
Almost six in 10 people (59%) said they would be happy to have a large-scale renewable development in their area.
The survey also found that awareness of fracking had increased substantially, with 75% of people now aware of the process of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas, up from 42% in June 2012.
Fewer people were taking a neutral stance on the controversial technology, down from 48% last December to 44% in March, but the public was still split on the issue, with 29% in support of using shale for heating and power, and 22% opposed to it.
Concern over energy security and climate change has increased, with the two issues ranked joint fourth in a list of the biggest challenges facing the UK, behind unemployment, the NHS, and inflation and rising prices.
Some 8% put the two issues as the biggest challenge facing the UK today, up from 3% for energy security and 2% for climate change in March 2012.
Keith Parker, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “The Decc Public Attitudes Tracker Survey further emphasises the growing support for nuclear in the UK.
“The survey shows a significant rise in the support for nuclear power generation while opposition is in decline.
“With the UK on the cusp of an extensive new nuclear build programme, public support for nuclear energy generation is crucial, and these findings are public recognition of the role nuclear power plays in ensuring the UK has a secure, low-carbon, reliable source of electricity.”
Friends of the Earth's head of campaigns, Andrew Pendleton, said: “With a whopping 80% of the public consistently backing renewable power, and lots of projects now taking off, it's extraordinary that some ministers are lagging so far behind the popular mood and failing to support the UK's vast clean energy potential.
“It's little surprise that shale gas is supported by less than three in ten people.
“Over-hyped fracking poses a significant threat to local communities across the UK, will do little to tackle climate change and experts warn that it won't lead to cheaper fuel bills.
“If we want to cut emissions, strengthen our energy security and provide people with affordable power in the future, we must invest in efficiency and renewable power.”