Guernsey ‘should focus on energy independence’
FRANCE’S threat to cut off the Channel Islands’ electricity supply has raised new questions about whether it is a good idea to spend £85m. on a new direct cable link to the Continent.
Instead, Deputy David De Lisle wants that money spent in the local economy on renewables.
‘There is need for a re-think on energy policy giving more emphasis on energy independence and self-sufficiency and focus on development of Guernsey’s on-island
renewable energy sector as a growth industry,' he said.
‘Instead of backing nuclear power through another cable from France, our government needs to invest in renewable energy including solar, tidal and wind power and its people.’
The French maritime minister sent shockwaves across the Channel when she threatened to cut off the link with Jersey in retaliation for the post-Brexit fishing licences.
Alan Bates, chief executive officer of Guernsey Electricity, reassured islanders that there was a commercial contract with the French electricity company and it could not be altered unless a specific law was passed by the French government.
He said the company remained committed to the new cable link due to be installed around 2025.
‘Our strategy is to install a second cable, direct to France, which will allow the power station to act purely as an emergency back-up, resulting in the eventual retirement of the older diesel generators at the power station.
‘The [Fish Wars] situation again demonstrates the need for Guernsey to have its own energy independence through a direct cable link which would connect with the European grid via France, and provide enhanced security of supply which will facilitate local renewable generation.
‘Without this second cable, the security of supply for the intermittent generation of on-island renewables, that is when the sun isn’t shining, the wind blowing or tide flowing, would continue to be the power station.’
The cost of the new link is estimated at £85m. in the States energy policy, with French consenting and planning permissions responsible for the first £6-10m. of that sum.
Deputy De Lisle had an alternative vision for a thriving on-island renewable industry that would create jobs, provide cheaper electricity, cut emissions and slow down climate change.
Subsidies would be paid to encourage islanders to set up solar systems, rather than money going into cables and dependency on France.
He believed the cheaper, green technology was already available and that the island should tap into the sector's growth trajectory.
‘We’re well behind, we’re behind the trends, the UK is far more advanced than we are and many countries are more advanced even beyond the level of the UK, so we have to pull up our socks and look at our island environment and see what we can do locally.
‘If everybody was to turn to a solar system on their roofs we’d have the equivalent of 80 to 100 megawatts, so we wouldn’t have to import at all.
‘We have to be looking forward for Guernsey, rather than being so dependent on places outside.’
