July 16, 2006

Abstract: - Many adults in Britain would like to explore two choices in order to generate energy in the future, according to a poll by ICM Research released by GMTV. 79 per cent of respondents would like to expand solar power, and 76 per cent prefer wind power.

- Many adults in Britain would like to explore two choices in order to generate energy in the future, according to a poll by ICM Research released by GMTV. 79 per cent of respondents would like to expand solar power, and 76 per cent prefer wind power.

Building more efficient coal and gas powered stations is third on the list with 50 per cent, followed by nuclear power with 38 per cent.

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."

On Jul. 5, Conservative leader David Cameron discussed the situation, saying, "There will always be a need for a robust and secure national grid; energy security is vital. But it is a myth that it can only be provided from remote and inefficient power stations or that electricity has to travel hundreds of miles to market. We live in a fast-changing world of scientific research and innovation. I want Britain to be at the forefront of the green energy opportunity and I want local government to be in the forefront of Britain's environmental progress."

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. 58 per cent of respondents believe nuclear power is very or quite safe.

Polling Data

There are various ways in which Britain could invest its money in future energy production, each of which has benefits and disadvantages. Which, if any, of the following do you personally think would be the best way of investing our money in electricity generation?

Solar power	79%
Wind power	76%
More efficient coal and gas fired power stations	50%
Nuclear power	38%
None of them	3%
Don't know	2%

Generally speaking, how safe do you think nuclear power is?

Very safe	16%
Quite safe	42%
Not very safe	24%
Not safe at all	12%
Don't know	6%

Source: ICM Research / GMTV
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,031 British adults, conducted from Jul. 5 to Jul. 7, 2006. No margin of error was provided.