Trust in the possibilities of utilising alternative energy sources continues to be strong under all circumstances. More than one half of respondents (55%) consider pollution-free and inexhaustible solar energy to be a realistic solution in the near future. A third of respondents expect a long waiting period (30%) before solar energy can be utilised. Even though optimism has only slightly increased since the last survey, as a whole, the latest results communicate a clear upturn. As a whole, the time series for these assessments shows a clearly harmonious trend. Optimism regarding the possibility of utilising solar power increased by fairly steady, although short, steps over a long period. At the turn of the millennium, the development stopped and attitudes gradually started to turn back towards scepticism. The share of sceptics no longer increased in the survey in 2005. Instead, the results indicated a new growth in optimism regarding solar power. This trend continued, and the latest results are the most optimistic during the entire follow-up period [Figure 34.].

Attitudes towards wind power were tested by a separate statement, in addition to asking about the desired extent of the use of this energy form (see Chapter 1). A reference to the negative effects on the landscape from this energy form does not noticeably alter the sympathies of the general public. Approximately one in four (24%) now agree with the statement that an increase in the use of wind power would result in considerable environmental harm, with wind farms spoiling the scenery in extensive areas. Approximately two out of three respondents (67%) disagree. Even though the distribution is unsympathetic, it is less unsympathetic than a year before. At the same time, the previous trend according to which there was less concern about the negative effects on the landscape from wind power year by year has now broken. As a whole, the time series shows that up until 2005, the results showed a gradual increase in scepticism and suggested that more problems with wind power may arise over time. After this, attitudes gradually started to change back towards to their previous level, which continued until 2008. Very few people are still likely to have personal experiences of the aesthetic nature of wind farms in Finland [Figure 35.].

The previous surveys have shown that people consider the problem of increasing alternative energy sources to be due more a lack of willingness than technological restrictions or economic costs. In the last survey, more than three out of four (77%) believed that wind and solar power could be in extensive use in Finland fairly soon, if there is a willingness to invest in the research and development work on these technologies. The question was not included in the current survey, but the issue was reflected using other indicators.

The statement 'The import of electricity and the old aging power plants could already be replaced with renewable energy sources and energy saving without implementing new (large-scale) power plants' receives a quite cautious attitude. Two out of five (40%) consider this statement to be true and one third (32%) false. Even though the distribution is skewed towards acceptance, it can even be considered as reserved when considering the positive and optimistic basic attitude people usually have on renewable energy as well as on saving. In addition, comparison with the previous year shows that the thought of replacing conventional energy is now considered somewhat more unrealistic than previously [Figure 36.].

Another and somewhat harder new question that concerns only alternative forms of energy which is connected with this, 'Due to the fast development of wind power technology, it would also be possible to replace further construction of nuclear power by building large wind energy parks at sea', also produces a result that stresses acceptance - and perhaps makes all supporters of nuclear power feel dizzy. Almost one half of respondents (48%) agree with the statement, about one third (34%) disagrees [Figure 37.]. Between the population groups, it can be seen that the younger the respondent is, the more in favour he/she is. In the political field, supporters of the Greens and the National Coalition Party show almost opposite attitudes (no figure).

Whether or not it is possible to implement such projects for replacing conventional energy, it is accepted that they cannot yet be implemented without a price tag. This is a way for interpreting the results of the statement 'Wide-scale implementation of renewable energy sources is not possible without large support from society for a long time'. More than one half of respondents agree (57%), one in four disagree (25%). However, the need for financial support is now rejected somewhat more often than in 2001 when the question was last included in the survey (with a slightly different formulation) [Figure 38.].