Large Majority Support More Onshore and Offshore Welsh Windfarms - Independent Phone Survey

* 4-1 support a doubling of onshore windturbines
* 17-1 favour offshore windfarms as opposed to new nuclear stations

An independent telephone survey by Market Research Wales, commissioned by environmental group Friends of the Earth Cymru has revealed very high support for more Welsh windfarms both on and offshore (1). The campaigners say that the findings indicate that the much-publicised opposition to wind energy stems from a consistently small minority, not the disenfranchised majority as often believed or portrayed.

The survey found that 71% of public in Wales would support a doubling of the current 360 onshore wind turbines in Wales, compared to 18 % against (2). Friends of the Earth Cymru say that about 700 onshore wind turbines would do much to secure the greenhouse gas reductions needed to achieve the UK's 2010 Kyoto commitments.

A second question revealed that, given the choice of either 600 offshore wind turbines sited over four miles from the coast or a new nuclear power station (which would generate the same amount of electricity overall), a massive 87% favoured the offshore windfarms. Only 5% favoured a new nuclear power station, just 1 in 17 (3).

Those stating a preference for nuclear power were noticeably more likely to be from socio-economic groups DE and aged 55 plus (4). Highest of the high support for both on and offshore windfarms were from socio-economic group AB and the 16-34 age range (5). The results were broadly similar for all regions of Wales.

Friends of the Earth Cymru point out that all previous independent surveys since the early 1990's have shown similarly high levels of support for onshore wind energy. They say that the latest poll is remarkable given the high level of damaging misinformation about the technology circulating in public debate. They say that the scale of support for offshore wind energy is just remarkable by any standards.

Even so, the environmentalists are still concerned that anti-windfarm groups such as CPRW, using spoiling tactics which are slowing the planning and public inquiry process, are damaging progress towards the UK's 2010 renewable electricity target. This is giving UK energy minister Brian Wilson an excuse to support the building of new nuclear power stations in the forthcoming Energy White Paper (6).

Neil Crumpton, Friends of the Earth Cymru energy spokesperson, said:

''The survey questions were very specific and the findings are very good news for both the Welsh economy and the wider environment.

''The Assembly has strong economic and environmental reasons to set progressive renewable energy policies for Wales and this survey provides hard evidence that the majority of people in Wales would support such policies.''

''Overall there is a four to one majority for doubling onshore turbine numbers in Wales. Even in mid Wales, where there are numerous windfarms already and debate has been most focused, the majority is still nearly three to one in favour of further onshore schemes. This echoes a recent student's thesis indicating 63% support for the Cefn Croes scheme, despite being a cause-celebre of a concerted opposition campaign (7).''

''The poll suggests that the Welsh public can see through the high but thin veil of controversy-provoking mythology about wind energy.''

''Few people support the building of new nuclear power stations. Instead, there is substantial support for further onshore and large scale offshore windfarm deployments. We think that UK Energy Minister Brian Wilson and conservation groups, notably CPRW, should acknowledge that nuclear power is not popular, or necessary.''

See the full results.

Notes

1) Survey sample of 500 adults aged 16 and over interviewed by telephone between 23rd August to 2nd September 2002. Conducted by Market Research Wales Ltd Telephone Omnibus. 7 St Andrew's Crescent, Cardiff, Telephone: 02920 250740, E mail: [email protected]

2) Question 1 : There are currently 360 wind turbines on land in Wales. Would you support the doubling of wind turbines on land in Wales ?

Response: Yes 71% / No 18% / Do not know 11%.

3) Question 2 : Six hundred wind turbines, sited over four miles off the coast, would generate as much electricity as one new nuclear power station. If you had the choice, which of the following sources of electricity production would you prefer ?

Response: Nuclear Power station 5% /Offshore turbines 87% /Do not know 9%.

Note: Nuclear station based on new AP1000 design (1,100 MW) operating at a capacity factor of 80% generating 880 MW average. 600 offshore wind turbines, average capacity 4.2 MW operating at a capacity factor of 35% generating 880 MW average.

4) Q2 Response (all 501 respondents):

5) Q1 Response (all 501 respondents):

6) CPRW Response to NAW EDC Renewables Consultation April-July 2002:

''Paragraph 2.4 This text avoids discussion of the option (not ruled out by the PIU) of replacing existing nuclear capacity. Until the WAG has a clear policy on this issue one way or the other it should be pursued as an alternative scenario.''

Also CPRW proposals for 2010 (Briefing, September 2002): Onshore wind capacity 30 x 1MW turbines = 30 MW to 2010. That is, ONLY thirty additional turbines by 2010 in Wales.

7) Contact: Gerry Jewson, Renewable Energy Company Ltd, Mold for details T: 01352 757604.