New poll shows 55% of Scots back renewables to meet long term energy needs

A majority of Scots want to see the country use renewables to meet its energy needs, a new poll has found.

A total of 55% of people said that Scotland should rely on renewables – such as wind, solar, and hydro power – to meet its long term energy  security needs, with 17% saying they could should rely on fossil fuels such as oil and gas.

Meanwhile 14% backed the use of uranium – the fuel used for nuclear power – for long term energy security.

The poll was released as energy has become a key issue in the Holyrood election campaign, with parties including Labour and the Tories making clear their support for new nuclear power plants in Scotland.

The SNP, which has been in power since 2007, however is firmly opposed to the development of such plants.

The poll of more than 2,000 adults, carried out by Survation for independent renewable energy company GreenPower, also found nuclear energy had the lowest score when it came to who people can trust to “tell the truth” about costs, pollution and safety.

A total of 12% of those questioned said they trusted the nuclear sector to do this, compared to 13% for the oil and gas sector and 33% for the renewable sector.

With energy costs rising the wake of the Gulf conflict, almost half (48%) of people thought renewables were the form of energy most likely to reduce bills, with 18% saying nuclear power could help bring down costs for consumers.

Pete Roche of the Scottish Campaign to Resist the Atomic Menace (Scram) said: “The poll demonstrates that Scots are not as gullible as the lobbyists and pro-nuclear political parties seem to think.

“A renewable energy future is not only possible, but is the most supported and most trusted sector by far.

“Relying on a uranium-fuelled nuclear future is like jumping out of the oil and gas frying pan and into a nuclear fire – it makes no sense and Scots seem to get that.”

He added: “A score of 14% for a uranium-fuelled future is quite miserable. The crisis in the Middle East, with its heady mix of oil and gas dependency and uranium stockpiles, is a wake-up call.

“In contrast, Scotland is blessed with vast renewable energy resources offering a more secure, cheaper and safer path to energy security and economic stability whilst tackling climate change responsibly.”

Meanwhile GreenPower director George Baxter, said:  “New nuclear power is a costly distraction for Scotland.

“Between eye-watering costs, huge public subsidies, decades-long delivery timelines and leaving a toxic legacy for future generations, it cannot compete with the immediate, affordable potential of our renewable resources.

“With the technology already available, a 100% renewables-led system is the only logical path to a secure and sustainable economy.”

SNP energy spokesperson Graham Leadbitter MP said that independence would allow Scotland to have “full control” over the country’s “huge energy wealth”, adding this could help “lower bills, create jobs, deliver energy security, and invest in Scotland’s communities”.

Mr Leadbitter said: “Scotland is an energy-rich country and it is a disgrace that, under the Labour Party government, Scottish families are being hammered with the highest bills in Europe while Keir Starmer’s tax hikes destroy thousands of Scottish energy jobs and put our renewables future at risk.

“The SNP is the only party standing up for the jobs in Scotland’s oil and gas sector and a just transition to renewables.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie stressed her party was “committed to unlocking Scotland’s clean power potential and investing in renewables”.

She added: “Renewable energy and nuclear energy are not in competition – they can work hand-in-hand to cut emissions, strengthen our energy security and create jobs.

Only Scottish Labour has a real plan to make Scotland a true clean energy superpower and deliver opportunities, investment and energy security across the country.”

Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden said: “Renewables are an important part of our energy supply, but claims they can be the only source or magically cut household bills mislead the public.

“The SNP and Labour have thrown our oil and gas industry under the bus, costing 1,000 jobs a month, and John Swinney is stubbornly and illogically opposed to nuclear, a safe and clean option.

“Only the Scottish Conservatives have realistic plans that will guarantee energy security, safeguard jobs and bring down household bills.”

Scottish Greens energy spokesperson Mark Ruskell said: “Scotland’s green economy is booming. We have plenty of wind, tidal and even solar energy waiting to be harnessed, and with proper investment that could bring the creation of 40,000 jobs over the next five years alone.

“But instead, Labour are putting ideology ahead of opportunity by pushing nuclear. It is extremely costly and takes years, if not decades, to become operational. Not to mention the toxic legacy it leaves behind for future generations. It’s an approach that will drive bills up and waste time we don’t have in dealing with the climate crisis.

“Scotland already excels in renewables and it’s clear the Scottish public back them. A growing green economy that lowers bills and protects our environment is what a vote for Scottish Greens this May will deliver.”