DECC’s latest Public Attitudes Tracker, published just days before the general election, also shows that nearly three-quarters (71%) agree that renewable energy provides economic benefits to the UK.
Of the various renewable technologies, solar was the most favoured with 81% stating their support, followed by wave and tidal (74%). There was also considerable support for offshore wind (65%) and biomass (63%).
This comes in contrast to technologies such as nuclear 39% and 24% for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale gas.
The report also shows the public that two-thirds of the UK is very or fairly concerned about climate change (66%) and about energy security, with 72% very/fairly concerned about the UK becoming too dependent on energy from other countries.
“Public support for renewables has been consistently high for many years, with the benefits to energy security and climate change clear," said Dr Nina Skorupska, chief executive of the
Renewable Energy Association. "Renewables hold the key to decarbonising the UK, and the growth of our sector goes hand in hand with future proofed resilient and cheaper bills and thousands of skilled jobs across the country."
The latest DECC figures come shortly after a survey of the Renewable Energy Association’s membership which revealed that 95% of renewable industries feel that the main political parties have failed to adequately address the needs of the sector throughout the ongoing election campaign.