Guernsey Press

January was a totally green month for island’s imported electricity

ALL Guernsey’s imported power last month came from renewable and sustainable sources.

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Guernsey Electricity CEO Alan Bates. (27188217)

Previously imported electricity has come from a mix of nuclear and hydro.

But last month Guernsey switched to bringing in power from 100% renewable sources, such as solar, wind and hydroelectricity.

The company has also announced, through its climate change statement, its long-term aim of further decarbonising energy usage on-island and has set out a plan for transition in its five-year environmental sustainability strategy.

CEO Alan Bates said he was determined Guernsey Electricity would take the lead in creating a greener and more sustainable future and was delighted with this development.

‘I am sure I speak for the majority in saying that we are all far more aware of environmental issues than ever before,’ he said.

‘At Guernsey Electricity, we firmly believe that the energy sector should take the lead in creating a more sustainable world in which to live and at the same time help tackle climate change.

‘This is an exciting step for our community and shows that small jurisdictions such as Guernsey can lead the way in moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and in doing so protect the environment for future generations.’

Environment & Infrastructure president Deputy Barry Brehaut said his committee strongly believed that the vast majority of Guernsey’s energy supplies should come from clean and low carbon sources.

‘This positive move will ensure that Guernsey will play its part in helping to mitigate climate change and align us with global efforts to reduce emissions by using renewable technologies,’ he said.

‘It is pleasing that this switch by Guernsey Electricity is in support of both the energy and climate change policies that the committee has been developing.’

GE’s long-term strategy is for an energy system that supports renewables and reduces the reliance on fossil fuels which would see the power station deployed for emergency generation only.

The company continues to invest in and plan for a second, direct, cable link to France, along with the adoption of local community scale renewable technologies and electricity storage.

‘We are not on a “do nothing journey” and our aim is for the island to be completely supplied by renewable and sustainable energy by 2025,’ Mr Bates said.

‘We believe it is important that we all play a role in positively contributing to our environment today and into the future.’