A new YouGov poll, commissioned by Scottish Renewables, found that almost two-thirds supported such green policies, while just 14% disagreed. It also revealed that 79% of Scottish adults support the continued development of renewable energy.

In comparison, just 26% of the survey’s respondents back fracking for shale gas, 45% support new nuclear power stations, and half are in favour of the building or extension of coal and gas-fired power stations.

Commenting on the survey’s findings, Scottish Renewables director of policy Jenny Hogan said: “This poll results illustrate the strength of support for renewables among Scotland’s electorate. It is the only energy option that a majority of potential Scots voters say they would support.”

“Scottish Renewables has always campaigned for the development of renewable energy as part of a wider and balanced energy mix, but it is clear that there is limited support amongst the public for new gas, coal or nuclear power stations, and even less for the use of fracking to access onshore oil and gas reserves.

“Renewable electricity generation in Scotland has doubled in recent years, and we hope that all the main political parties will continue to back the growth of our sector after May’s General Election.

Winds, waves, tides

The findings support those of a similar poll conducted in February, which revealed that increased wind power capacity development in Scotland is not swaying support among Scottish adults, with it instead rising. More than seven in 10 adults said they supported the continued development of wind power, rising from 64% in February 2013. Scottish Renewables said the capacity of onshore wind in Scotland has risen by 20% in the same period.

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “When given the choice, it’s clear that the public would rather see more clean renewables rather than polluting fossil fuels of nuclear power.

“If we’re to realise the full potential of our renewable resource, it’s vital that the next UK Government listens to the public and does all that it can to ensure Scotland is not held back from harnessing the power of its winds, waves, and tides.”

The poll comes less than a week after edie reported that Scotland had met its 50% renewable electricity target a year ahead of schedule, after a surge of 11.7% in the past year alone. Figures from the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) for renewable energy generation in 2014 reveal that 49.6% of gross electricity consumption came from renewable sources in Scotland last year – an increase from 44.4% in 2013.

Lucinda Dann

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