New figures released by the UK Government reveal high levels of support among the public for backing a transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
The latest Public Attitudes Tracker, published quarterly by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), shows 82% of people surveyed support the use of renewable energy, while only 2% oppose it.
Since the poll began in 2012, support for renewables has remained between 74% and 85%.
Offshore wind’s popularity remains high at 81%, while onshore wind has a support level of 77%.
Wave and tidal energy has the backing of 80% of the public.
In the survey 76% of people said they were concerned about climate change.
RenewableUK deputy chief executive Melanie Onn said: “Even while we face the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19, the public supports continued action to avoid the worst the impacts of climate change and make our economy more sustainable.
“Investment in new renewables, which is supported by 82% of people, will stimulate growth and employment as the economy recovers from the impacts of the virus. Renewable energy capacity will grow rapidly this decade and beyond to meet our net zero emissions target, and our industry will be investing tens of billions of pounds and creating much-needed jobs across the UK”.