Almost 60% of Scots think the UK Government was right to grant new oil and gas licences in UK waters, a poll suggests.
A Survation poll for advisory firm True North found 58% agree with the decision, while 21% disagree.
Last year, First Minister Humza Yousaf accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of “climate denial” after plans were announced for up to 100 new licences in the North Sea.
The poll also found public scepticism around whether key Scottish Government climate targets are achievable.
On the 2045 deadline for phasing out gas boilers, 35% said this is achievable against 56% who said it is not.
On the target date to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 there was even greater scepticism, with 24% saying this is achievable against 70% who said it is not.
The poll also found 55% said revenue from North Sea oil and gas should be ring-fenced for investing in renewable energy and achieving net zero.
Meanwhile on nuclear power, 32% favour the Scottish Government’s existing policy to block new nuclear plants compared to 38% who oppose this position.
A total of 1,029 people were surveyed online between January 23 and 25.
Fergus Mutch, managing partner at True North, said: “Energy will continue to be among the major public policy issues in focus as we approach a general election.
“While political parties may be falling over each other to set more and more ambitious targets as we continue to move away from fossil fuels, these poll findings suggest that public opinion is behind a more pragmatic approach.
“People in Scotland recognise the value of our existing energy sector and how important it is that we don’t become ever more reliant on overseas imports of oil and gas.
True North has today unveiled the first tranche of results from our first major Scotland-wide issues poll of 2024. Today we're focusing on energy 💡🔌
The highlights as follows:
— Fergus Mutch (@Fergoodness) January 30, 2024
“They want to see both UK and Scottish governments working in close partnership to unlock the opportunities of net zero, but there’s a healthy dose of scepticism around some existing targets and the wider policy approach to get us there – for example on timelines for phasing out gas boilers and new petrol and diesel cars.”
Ryan Crighton, policy director at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “This year – more than any year – we need a reasoned debate about our energy future, and it is important that our policy makers take stock of what this poll is saying.
“Our planning system is in urgent need of reform, our grid infrastructure requires enormous sums of investment to meet the needs of tomorrow, and we need a progressive tax regime which encourages energy firms to invest in the UKCS (UK Continental Shelf) and in renewables.
“This is where the public want political efforts to be focused.”
Scottish energy minister Gillian Martin said: “Scotland has the skills, talent and natural resources to be a leader in the energy transition and unlock the enormous benefits that it presents.
“Our focus is on meeting Scotland’s energy security needs, reducing emissions in line with climate goals and ensuring a just transition for our oil and gas workforce as North Sea oil and gas resources decline.
“We will continue to work closely with the offshore energy industry to deliver this just energy transition and ensure a bright future for the North Sea workforce, our wider energy sector and the people of Scotland.”