A sceptical argument against conservation (energy conservation cannot solve energy problems) has today an equal number of supporters (44%) and opponents (44%). The faith in the potential of conservation has not essentially changed from the previous measurement. Over a longer period, the study of the energy conservation attitudes reflects the same systematic trend as the trend in growth expectations. Positive attitudes towards saving increased gradually but significantly during several years (saving is one virtue which is particularly characteristic of a recession period), until this trend broke off in 1994, and the attitudes were restored to be close to the level of the 80s [figure 17.].

Even though saving is not seen as the solution to energy problems, many believe it to be a partial solution. The idea of more efficient conservation as an option for the building of new power plants is accepted by two thirds (64%). The portion has slightly increased from the previous measurement, but continues to be quite close to last year’s average. The support in principle for conservation is strong among the Finnish population, though own saving efforts may be less successful [figure 18.].

Belief in the potential of using alternative energy continues to be strong. A significant number of people (46%) consider the pollution-free and inexhaustible solar energy to be a realistic solution in the near future, and approximately every third person (34%) expects that this technology will not be ready for a long time. The optimistic view has clearly become more general over the past ten years (no figure).

Three quarters of the population (77%) believe that wind and solar energy could be put into extensive use in Finland soon, if there were willingness to invest money in the research and development work concerning these technologies. There has been this type of thinking for a long time, and during the past few years it has strengthened further [figure 19.].

The attitude towards the use of wood (which is today often considered to be alternative energy, although it is very a very traditional fuel) has continued to be relatively unchanged during the past few years. As many as three people out of four (74%) believe that an increase in the use of wood and other indigenous fuels could improve the employment situation significantly. Although there is no doubt that this result supports the use of wood, it probably reflects concern about the labour market situation as much as belief in the excellence of wood as such (no figure).