European citizens want more wind and solar power

71% of those surveyed indicated that they were in favor of establishing more wind power in the region. Only solar energy managed to surpass the support expressed for wind power, with 80% of the respondents in favor.

Of the 25 members of the EU, the country with most public support for wind power is Denmark (93% in favor), followed by Greece (88%) and Cyprus (83%). The Spaniards (67%) were shown to hold wind power less dear than the average European (Spain occupies the 22nd position in the ranking of 25). Least enthusiastic about wind energy are the Finnish (66% in favor), British (63%) and lastly, the Italian citizens (63%). Overall, support for wind power from European citizens is overwhelming.

"The poll confirms the high degree of support that exists for wind power and other renewable energies", declared Christian Kjaer, counselor delegate of the European Wind Energy Association EWEA. He stated that if European governments - currently engaged in a debate about the future of energy in Europe - want to tune in with their citizens, they should step up their ambitions for the expansion of renewable energies.

For additional information:

http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_262_en.pdf