The majority (62%) of the UK population say they would support an energy policy that combines increased renewable energy technologies with cautious nuclear re-build, reveals a survey by Deloitte.  In contrast, only one in three people (36%) say they support the use of nuclear technology itself, suggesting that support for nuclear increases significantly when there is some reassurance that it would not be in place of renewable sources.

Carl Hughes, UK Head of Energy at Deloitte, commented: “Although there is much debate on the pros and cons of nuclear itself, there appears to be a misconception that nuclear and renewables are an ‘either or’ option.  In reality, the UK’s future energy policy is likely to combine a diverse range of power generation sources in order to best address concerns surrounding energy security, the environment and the cost of generation.  This doesn’t seem to be widely understood at present.”

Attitudes towards nuclear differed dramatically depending on gender with 55% of men supporting its use compared to just 19% of women.

The survey also revealed a low level of awareness regarding the source of future electricity generation. 35% believe that the majority of UK electricity will be generated by renewable sources in 15 years time.  In contrast, 23% expect the majority of future supply to come from nuclear with only 18% identifying fossil fuel sources as likely to be the most prevalent.  23% admitted they did not know how the majority of energy would be generated.

Ross Howard, Nuclear Energy Partner at Deloitte, commented: “There is confusion and false expectation among the public in relation to future energy generation.  The expectation for renewables is clearly unrealistic – 15 years from now renewables might comprise up to 15% of the UK energy mix, which although a significant increase from about 4% today, falls a long way short of the aspirational views expressed in the survey.

“One of the real challenges faced by Government as it approaches the energy policy review will be to better educate and inform stakeholders, including the public, on energy matters to ensure that opinions are not unduly affected by a fundamental lack of understanding of the facts. 

“The potential tensions between the long-term perspective required when setting energy policy and the much shorter political and legislative horizon, emphasises the importance of an open, transparent and constructive challenge across all of the relevant facts and opinions.  Without such a holistic debate, it will be difficult for the Government to set policy objectives in a way which will provide sufficient encouragement for the markets to invest with confidence in a range of new technologies including nuclear and renewables.”

The survey also examined whether the cost of electricity altered public attitudes as to how it was generated.  Only 11% said they would be willing to pay up to 15% more, with the remaining 79% prepared to pay no more or only a small additional amount (up to 5% more) to guarantee a reduction in UK carbon emissions.

A considerable 92% thought the Government should do more to explore alternative power generation technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions/greenhouse gases, confirming a high level of public concern regarding energy and its impact on the environment.

Ross Howard commented: “The call on Government to take further action on renewables indicates that people are aware that climate change needs to be addressed.  However, this has not yet translated into a willingness to pay significantly more for electricity, suggesting that the extent of the issue is not fully understood.  Achieving emissions targets and addressing the energy generation gap is still widely viewed as a matter for tomorrow when, in reality, key decisions that will shape our future need to be taken now.”

The greatest public concern relating to nuclear energy is disposal of waste (52%), followed by accidental leakage (22%), terrorist attacks (12%) and cost of decommissioning (4%) with 9% of respondents having no concerns.

Ends

Notes to editors

The survey
This survey was conducted between 17 and 21 November 2005 in anticipation of the energy policy review announced by the Government recently. The survey data was collected and analysed by YouGov Plc via on-line survey of 2,041 GB adults.

About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a leading professional services organisation, delivering world class audit, tax, consulting and corporate finance services, with around 120,000 people in over 140 countries. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.