Public attitudes to wind farms
The results of surveys into public attitudes to wind farms are remarkably consistent. They typically suggest that 70-80% of the UK public support wind farm development. Those who live near operational wind farms tend to be even more positive with support levels of up to 94% being recorded.
Those who oppose wind energy typically make up only 8-16% of the population. It’s this minority who often lead resistance to wind developments, creating the impression that wind farms are very unpopular. Following construction, the level of opposition generally decreases whilst the level of support rises.
“I would like to place on record how opposed to the wind turbines I was. I even had a letter in the Yorkshire Post against them and that was before they became a reality. However they have turned out to be if anything an ‘asset’ to the area, both aesthetically and environmentally. We could really do with having a lot more of them, as they are adding to our energy in a green way, and look very majestic.” Robina Herrington, a neighbour of E.ON’s Out Newton Wind Farm and Embrace Champion.
"I used to be really opposed to wind farms, although I knew they help to reduce pollution. But now that I’ve lived near one for a couple of years I’ve completely changed my view, and I’m even studying for an MSc in renewable technology.” Kevin McSweeney, a neighbour of E.ON’s Rheidol Wind Farm.
" Interestingly the NOP survey commissioned by the DTI finds that despite all the hot air and scepticism from certain quarters, 85% of the general public support the use of renewable energy, 81% are in favour of wind power and just over three fifths would be happy to live within 5km of a wind power development.” Malcolm Wickes (June 2006 speaking in his role as then Energy Minister)
Those who oppose wind energy typically make up only 8-16% of the population. It’s this minority who often lead resistance to wind developments, creating the impression that wind farms are very unpopular. Following construction, the level of opposition generally decreases whilst the level of support rises.
“I would like to place on record how opposed to the wind turbines I was. I even had a letter in the Yorkshire Post against them and that was before they became a reality. However they have turned out to be if anything an ‘asset’ to the area, both aesthetically and environmentally. We could really do with having a lot more of them, as they are adding to our energy in a green way, and look very majestic.” Robina Herrington, a neighbour of E.ON’s Out Newton Wind Farm and Embrace Champion.
"I used to be really opposed to wind farms, although I knew they help to reduce pollution. But now that I’ve lived near one for a couple of years I’ve completely changed my view, and I’m even studying for an MSc in renewable technology.” Kevin McSweeney, a neighbour of E.ON’s Rheidol Wind Farm.
" Interestingly the NOP survey commissioned by the DTI finds that despite all the hot air and scepticism from certain quarters, 85% of the general public support the use of renewable energy, 81% are in favour of wind power and just over three fifths would be happy to live within 5km of a wind power development.” Malcolm Wickes (June 2006 speaking in his role as then Energy Minister)
Public attitudes to wind
| Year | Poll | Results |
| 2003 | TNS/DTI UK Attitudes to Renewables Energy Schemes | 94% of people who live near wind farms are in favour of them 85% of the general public support both onshore and offshore wind energy |
| 2004 | ICM Research/Greenpeace | 80% support government plans to significantly increase the number of wind turbines in Britain 8% oppose the development of wind farms 70% would support the development of a wind farm in their area |
| 2005 | NOP/BWEA Survey of Public Opinion of Wind Farms | 80% of public support the need for wind farm development to meet renewable energy requirements Only 8% disagree |
| 2005 | Populus/The Times | Accepting that wind farms have to be built somewhere: 81% would consider objecting to a wind farm development in their area as NIMBYism 16% would object |
