UK public support for onshore wind has reached a new high according to a survey published by energy department BEIS.
The Public Attitudes Tracker shows 79% of people support onshore wind, beating the previous record of 76% set in April 2018.
The poll also shows a new high of 80% of the public are concerned about climate change.
Support for wave and tidal power also reached a new record high of 82%, up from 81% set last April.
Offshore wind backing remains at a record high of 83%, equalling the record set last April.
Trade association RenewableUK questioned why onshore wind is excluded from Contracts for Difference auctions by minsters despite the government opinion polls.
“The government is being told by industry, consumer groups, the National Infrastructure Commission, its own climate advisors, devolved governments, international investors and now a record breaking 79% of the public and billpayers, to change their policies and support onshore wind,” said executive director Emma Pinchbeck.
She added: “What exactly is stopping them? In a climate emergency, we need to use every tool in the box”.
Responding, Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack said: “These results reflect the change which is taking place not just in our energy system, but in society too.
“Onshore wind – our cheapest form of new power generation – is now more popular than it has ever been, and more popular in Scotland than in the rest of the UK.
“Today’s figures, produced by the UK Government, serve to show that the exclusion of onshore wind from the energy market remains wrongheaded.
“Our industry is already providing investment, jobs and lower carbon emissions across Scotland and the UK, and with the right support from government we can grow those tangible benefits as we lead the world’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.”