Wind favoured, but solar potential huge

The report into wind power was by far the most comprehensive, and at 72 pages in length, five times the size of the others.

However the report into solar offered the most scope for immediate change.

David De Lisle, who wrote the solar report, said the potential for solar expansion on the island was vast.

The report estimates that Guernsey currently has installed two megawatts of solar PV and one MW of battery energy storage, and this could be increased by 150 fold in 15 years to 300MWs, which would account for about half to a third of the islands electricity needs.

‘Urgent action for investment in renewable energy is crucial,’ he said.

‘We need to fast track renewable capacity and grasp this unique opportunity for transformation to a green recovery.’

Deputy De Lisle said that the island was being held back by a number of factors, including standing charges for businesses that produced over 25kw, and he would like to see solar power introduced on States buildings such as the hospital and schools.

He also advocated changes to the planning laws to encourage renewables and a guaranteed buy-in for domestic homes.

The report into tidal energy by Deputy Chris Blin was less optimistic about the immediate impact it could have in Guernsey but the deputy was encouraged that changes in technology could mean it plays a important role going forward.

‘We are not quite there on tidal,’ he said.

‘But we will be keeping abreast of technological changes.’

It was wind power that was causing the greatest enthusiasm within the deputies present at the release of the reports.

Deputy Carl Meerveld said he was willing to stake his political reputation on putting this plan into action.

‘The best time to sell a controversial opportunity is when people are facing hardships,’ he said.

‘There are real incentives to do this. A 1500kw wind farm would mean no need for a third harbour, as that’s mainly for importing fossil fuels, and no need for us to pay for a 90million euro electricity cable to France, less pressure to increase taxes, cheaper energy and would meet our obligations for fighting climate change.’

He said that the technology was developing fast and an offshore array using either fixed bottom or floating wind turbines was an economic fact, not science fiction.

‘If P&R decide to act on the report’s findings, then the first exercise is to consult with islanders and stakeholders, addressing concerns and gauging public support, he said, ‘We need to get more than half the island on board, and all the stakeholders, the fisheries, the RSPB.

‘I and my fellow deputies have researched the market and the time to act is now, the offshore wind industry is developing rapidly, and as other jurisdictions offer sites for development, the attractiveness of Guernsey’s slightly unusual offering will diminish quickly.

‘Even if we push this

forward as quickly as possible, the wind farm will still take

up to 12 years to start generating power.’

The report has been done by an independent group of deputies.

n Environment & Infrastructure is in the process of drawing up a new electricity strategy, which is looking at decarbonisation, security and resilience of supply, greater energy independence, and consumer value and choice. E&I president Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez is expected the comment on the independent politicians’ scoping report today.