Britons Prefer Wind Energy to Nuclear Power

::.Angus Reid Consultants.::: "June 26, 2005
Britons Prefer Wind Energy to Nuclear Power

(Angus Reid Global Scan) � Many adults in Britain have no problems with the installation of wind turbines close to their own homes, according to a poll by ICM research published in The Guardian. 69 per cent of respondents support the building of a wind power station within 20 miles of their residence.
According to the British Wind Energy Association, more than 500,000 homes are currently powered by wind. Britain is one of only eight countries in the world that has installed more than 1,000 megawatts of wind capacity.
Britons are not as keen on nuclear energy. 79 per cent of respondents would oppose the building of a nuclear power station within 20 miles of their residence.
According to published reports, the government of prime minister Tony Blair is expected to establish an independent commission to review whether new nuclear power stations should be built in Britain.
There are currently 14 functioning nuclear reactors in Britain, which produce 21 per cent of the country�s electricity. All but one will reach the end of their operational lifetimes by 2023.
Polling Data
Would you support or oppose the building of a wind power station within 20 miles of your own home?
Support69%
Oppose25%
Don�t know6%

Would you support or oppose the building of a nuclear power station within 20 miles of your own home?
Support19%
Oppose79%
Don�t know3%

Source: ICM Research / The Guardian
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,005 British adults, conducted from Jun. 17 to Jun. 19, 2005. No margin of error was provided."