69% Eu Citizens In Support Of Renewable Energies

Renewables Top Public Opinion Survey Across Europe: 69% Eu Citizens In Support Of Renewable Energies

Brussels, 10th March 2003 --- An international survey conducted by the European Commission shows that renewable energy is a top priority for European citizens, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) said today. It also documents that research in renewable energies such as solar and wind is significantly more popular over other energy-related research in the European Union.

“Energy policy should catch up with public opinion. The powerful public support for renewable energy over fossil fuels and nuclear power expressed by EU citizens should form an important basis in the shaping of future European energy policies”, said EWEA Policy Director Christian Kjaer.

“In two decades Europe will be importing 70% of its energy unless we change direction: renewables can plug the gap in the European energy supply. Europe is not rich in oil, gas and coal but we have huge wind resources and European companies are world leaders at converting it into energy. Wind power and other renewables provide economic growth, security of energy supply, employment, and technology development which does not come at the expense of the environment”.

The Eurobarometer survey was presented last week in Brussels by European Commissioner Philippe Busquin. According to the results:

76% answered that the use of fossil fuels adversely affects air quality 40% of respondents stated that renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, etc.) sources will be the least expensive energy resource in 2050 compared to 7% for oil, 10% for nuclear fission, and 11% for solid fuels (coal, peat, etc.) 67% of respondents stated that renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, etc.) sources will be the best for the environment in 2050 compared to 2% for oil, 3% for nuclear fission, and 3% for solid fuels (coal, peat, etc.) 69 % of the European Union (EU) citizens support more renewable energy-related research compared to 13% for gas, 10% for nuclear fission, 6% for oil and 5% for coal. 88% of EU citizens stated that global warming and climate change are serious issues which need immediate action 75% answered that the use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas, etc.) contributes significantly to global warming and climate change

The European Wind Energy Association is the world’s largest renewable energy association. EWEA members include manufacturers representing 90% of the world market, research centres, national associations, developers, owners, utilities and financiers.

The European Wind Energy Association recently launched its strategic blueprint, Wind Force 12. It demonstrates that there are no technical, economic or resource limitations to supply12% of the world’s electricity needs with wind power alone by 2020. Wind Force 12 outlines that by 2010 the wind power industry is capable of reaching 230,000MW of generating capacity worldwide, 100,000 MW in Europe. By 2010 annual turnover in the global wind industry could reach €25 billion, assuming stronger political commitment and changes in energy policies worldwide.

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