USA:

Public Perceptions of the Risks, Benefits of Power Sources Changing (Fierce Energy)

Half of Americans believe geothermal energy’s benefits outweigh its risks

Geothermal energy is most popular in the West and Mid-west and amongst baby Boomers

The vast majority of the American public claim to be energy efficient, but when it comes to putting words into action, the assertions fall short. Despite the fact that many are not actively trying to conserve energy, they can be critical of the type of energy and where it comes from -- but perceptions are changing, according to a Harris Poll.

For example, when asked whether the risks outweigh the benefits of several mainstream and emerging sources of electrical power, 78 percent said solar and 76 percent said wind have benefits that outweigh their risks.

Natural gas and its scrutiny of hydraulic fracturing have grown slightly in the perception of benefits outweighing risks -- to 68 percent, up from 64 percent in 2011. In regard to nuclear power, however, the 37 percent of Americans believing its benefits outweigh its risks is down seven percentage points from five years ago.

Roughly half of Americans (52%) believe geothermal energy’s benefits outweigh its risks, with its main impediment not a perception of risks outweighing benefits (with only 8% believing this), but rather indecision, with 40% of Americans being not at all sure.

Read More......