Support for new nuclear build is on the rise

So while the public still sees renewables (wind and solar energy) as most important for the future, it does seem that public hostility to nuclear power is diminishing in the face of problems with rising carbon dioxide emissions and uncertainty about other sources of energy. This is against a background of increasing awareness by the public of the potential "energy gap" that is likely to arise in the future, given the planned programme of power station closures. Ipsos MORI interviewed, face-to-face, a representative quota sample of 2,035 adults aged 15, in 200 sampling points across Great Britain, in the period 3-7 November 2005. The findings of the polls were presented at NIA's Energy Choices conference, as well as at a meeting with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy. MPs found the results of particular interest, gaining a clearer picture of how constituents may feel about the energy scene, and nuclear power in particular.

Ipsos MORI carried out a similar survey for EDF Energy which demonstrated rising concerns in public awareness regarding combating climate change and self sufficiency in energy for the UK. The survey showed that 79% of the public agree that the most important thing is to reduce global warming by producing less carbon dioxide- 83% would like us to aim to be self sufficient in energy. However there is a weaker consensus over how these aims should be achieved. A majority (55%) also agree that the best solution to the future "energy gap" would be to replace existing nuclear power stations with new ones at the same time as expanding renewable energy sources such as wind power. On behalf of EDF Energy Ipsos MORI interviewed a representative sample of 1,931 adults aged 15+ in the period 21-27 October 2005.

MORI also carried out a survey on public attitudes towards climate change and future energy options for the University of East Anglia. While the survey demonstrated that few actively prefer the nuclear option over alternatives such as renewable sources and greater energy efficiency, 54% may be prepared to accept new nuclear power stations if it would help to tackle climate change. In the UEA project, MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,491 people aged 15+ in 257 sampling points throughout Great Britain in the period 1 October-6 November 2005.

The conclusion that can be drawn from all three polls is that awareness of the threat of climate change is increasing, and more people are becoming concerned about the need for energy self sufficiency. All three studies were carried out prior to the recent dispute between Russia and the Ukraine over gas supplies, which may affect future findings. Support for nuclear new build continues to grow at a steady pace, with a greater proportion of the population's overall impression of nuclear being favourable.