MPs in a spin about onshore wind’s popularity

British Members of Parliament are wide of the mark when it comes to the cost and popularity of onshore wind.

This is the main finding from a new poll commissioned by the non-profit Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU).

Only 8 percent of the 100 MPs surveyed by YouGov accurately thought that onshore wind was the cheapest form of new power generation. By contrast, 12 percent opted for nuclear power and a further 20 percent suggested gas-fired stations.

Furthermore, only 9 percent hit the target when asked what proportion of the British public strongly opposed the technology. A regular Government survey in operation since 2012 has shown the average to be 3.5 percent.

22 percent of MPs thought the figure could be as high as 50 percent.

The Conservative Government has repeatedly sought to stop new onshore wind farms, particularly in England, which ministers say lack support and damage countryside views.

Richard Black, director of the ECIU, commented: “It’s somewhat alarming to find that MPs don’t know the facts on onshore wind, particularly how popular it is with the public – seventy-five percent backing in the Government’s most recent survey, and rising.”

“It’s a damaging myth, because investing in onshore wind is likely to reduce energy bills – so this is really something that MPs and anyone else who professes to care about energy bills should be getting their heads around,” he added.

The findings contrast with separate polling earlier this month showing 66 percent public support for new onshore wind farms in places which have local backing.

Simon Clarke, Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: “People are telling us something really important - namely, that new onshore wind should no longer be ruled out of our energy mix for political reasons.

“With appropriate planning and democratic safeguards, the Government’s blanket ban can be revised and allow this cheap, clean and popular technology to move forward as it should.”