July 22, 2006

Abstract: - Adults in Britain would be open to an increase in the number of nuclear reactors as part of a comprehensive energy strategy, according to a poll by YouGov published in The Economist. 68 per cent of respondents would support building more nuclear power stations, if the plan includes other kinds of "clean" energy, such as solar power and wind farms.

- Adults in Britain would be open to an increase in the number of nuclear reactors as part of a comprehensive energy strategy, according to a poll by YouGov published in The Economist. 68 per cent of respondents would support building more nuclear power stations, if the plan includes other kinds of "clean" energy, such as solar power and wind farms.

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. 44 per cent of respondents think Britain would create unacceptable dangers for future generations with more nuclear power stations, and 43 per cent perceive the reactors as a solution to minimize climate change.

On May 16, British prime minister Tony Blair endorsed the construction of new nuclear power stations, saying, "Essentially, the twin pressures of climate change and energy security are raising energy policy to the top of the agenda in the UK and around the world. (...) These facts put the replacement of nuclear power stations, a big push on renewables and a step change on energy efficiency, engaging both business and consumers, back on the agenda with a vengeance. If we don't take these long-term decisions now we will be committing a serious dereliction of our duty to the future of this country."

Russia hosted the 2006 G-8 summit in Saint Petersburg from Jul. 15 to Jul. 17. The group released a statement on energy, which read: "Those of us who have or are considering plans relating to the use and/or development of safe and secure nuclear energy believe that its development will contribute to global energy security." Only 10 per cent of respondents believe there is no need to build more nuclear power stations in Britain.

Polling Data

Here are some statements that have been made about nuclear power. In each case, please say whether you think it is true or untrue

	True	Untrue	Not sure
If necessary, I would support more nuclear power stations, if it were part of a wider strategy that also included other kinds of "clean" energy such as solar power and wind farms	68%	15%	17%
We would be creating unacceptable dangers for future generations if we built more nuclear power stations, however carefully they are built and run	44%	28%	28%
It is vital to build more nuclear power stations if we are to help to minimize climate change without cutting back sharply on the amount of electricity we use	43%	25%	32%
There is no need to build any more nuclear power stations—there is plenty of gas, oil and coal available to meet Britain's energy needs	10%	72%	18%

Source: YouGov / The Economist
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,771 British adults, conducted from Jul. 10 and Jul. 12, 2006. No margin of error was provided.