Nearly four-fifths (78%) of the UK public back renewable energy but this is less compared to the last three years, a new survey claims.

The report by DECC showed support of 79%, 82% and 80% respectively in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The DECC Public Attitudes Tracker report said 71% “strongly or slightly agreed” with renewables providing economic benefits to the UK which is unchanged from the last two years.

Only 6% strongly disagreed.

Renewable projects should provide direct benefits to the communities they are in was an idea which 78% strongly agreed with and only 5% strongly disagreed.

The report found attitudes varied depending on the technologies involved. Solar saw 81% in favour compared to 85% in both 2014 and 2013.

Wave and tidal had 74% in favour – down from 77% in both 2014 and 2013 – while offshore wind was supported by 73% compared wto ith 77% in 2014 and 76% in March 2013.

Support for onshore wind was also down to 65% and biomass had the lowest support with 63% in favour – up from 60% in 2014 but down on the 64% in 2012.

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