Blog: Opinion poll shows public support for nuclear new build

By Hinkley Point C media team | Posted September 14, 2016

ICM has conducted a monthly tracker poll of 2,000 people nationally on behalf of EDF Energy since April 2014.

ICM asked the following question: To what extent do you support or oppose the development of new nuclear power stations in Britain?

The most recent poll, in August 2016, found 48% supported and 19% opposed the development of new nuclear power stations.

The level of support has been consistent throughout the whole time ICM has been conducting the poll, as shown in the attached chart.

ICM asked the question without providing any information to influence the response.

We have been in regular dialogue with the communities around the proposed sites for new build at Hinkley Point and Sizewell for many years. Polling demonstrates that the level of support is above the national average in these communities.

Q: To what extent do you support or oppose the development of new nuclear power stations in Britain?

14% strongly support
34% tend to support
27% neither
10% tend to oppose
9% strongly oppose
6% don’t know

NET Support: 48%
NET Oppose: 19%

Nuclear energy - public opinion 2016

Source:
- Monthly online omnibus run by ICM Unlimited, c. 2,000 GB adults each month. Latest fieldwork 26-29 August 2016.
- Question wording: To what extent do you support or oppose the development of new nuclear power stations in Britain?
- %Strongly / tend to support and strongly / tend to oppose shown. Neither support or oppose and Don’t know not shown.
- Tracking started in April 2014. 

Related articles

The tunnel boring machine was named “Sarah Guppy” by local school children after the pioneering 19th century engineer from Bristol
October 01, 2026

Hinkley Point C finishes tunnelling fish return system
Hinkley Point C has just finished digging the 620 metre tunnel for the power station's fish return system, which runs under the Bristol Channel.
Stacy Walker
September 08, 2026

We are Here to Listen: How to Get in Touch with Hinkley Point C
As part of the Hinkley Point C Community Relations team, one of the things I enjoy most about my role is getting out into local communities and talking to people. A question I am often asked is: “How do I actually get in touch with Hinkley Point C?” The good news is, there are lots of ways to contact us – and you don't have to wait for a formal meeting to get involved.
Jack Davies - Quality Assurance Apprentice
August 27, 2026

How is Hinkley Point C benefiting the local community?
Alongside Hinkley Point C’s vital role in providing the country with secure low-carbon electricity, I’m very proud of the significant benefits we provide to our local communities. Maximising the benefits of Hinkley Point C has been a long term collaborative effort, but one which I’m confident will also lead to much longer term opportunity for people and businesses across Somerset and the Sout West.