Umfrage: Große Mehrheit für mehr Unabhängigkeit bei Energieimporten

A recent poll conducted by Civey on behalf of the German renewable energy provider, Green Planet Energy, reveals that the majority of Germans support increased energy independence. Eighty-eight percent of respondents believe it is crucial for Germany to become as independent as possible from foreign energy imports. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed considered this goal to be very important.

The poll, which was conducted online on October 5 and 6 among 5,000 individuals aged 18 and above, also found significant differences in opinion regarding the most cost-effective technology for generating electricity. A quarter of the respondents favored solar energy, followed closely by 35 percent who supported nuclear power. Wind energy was chosen by only 17 percent as the most economical source of power.

The poll revealed that support for nuclear power is particularly strong among those living in eastern Germany, especially in states like Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, with 49 and 48 percent respectively expressing their preference. When asked about party preferences, AfD supporters (71 percent) strongly backed nuclear power as the most advantageous energy source, despite it being the most expensive method of producing electricity.

The actual cost of generating electricity from new nuclear power plants is estimated to be between 13.6 and 49 cents per kilowatt-hour by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energiesysteme ISE.

Surprisingly, the poll also found that many people underestimate the actual costs of nuclear power. Green Planet Energy's CEO, Sönke Tangermann, pointed out that the high investment costs, lengthy construction times, and the costs associated with dismantling and waste storage are often underestimated in public perception. Additionally, the poll indicated that many respondents have no idea about the number of people employed in the renewable energy sector.

While 29 percent said they had no idea, 54 percent believed that the number was less than 400,000. In reality, Germany employs approximately 436,000 people in the renewable energy industry, according to the German Institute for Economic Research (GWS).