‘Solar power is a quicker fix and is the way to go’
SOLAR power steals a march on wind as an option for Guernsey, according to an industry figure.
Bob Beebe, CEO of Little Green Energy, said that installing more solar panels could be a much easier fix in propelling the island towards its goal of net zero by 2050 and becoming energy self-sufficient.
‘Guernsey has some of the highest sunshine hours in Great Britain and they’re being wasted, but could be used to capitalise on and reduce geopolitical risk,’ he said.
‘We know that we want to get the island to greater energy independence and investing in the island will benefit everyone. When you fly over the island there are so many large roof spaces that could be used to power and capitalise Guernsey.’
His company is prepared to deliver large scale renewable projects with solar power, and while he said it was positive that politicians and islanders were becoming engaged in the conversation, the driving force would be the completion of the States Electricity Strategy work to identify to market.
A group of deputies came out this week in support of pursuing solar and especially wind power.
Environment & Infrastructure also has established an energy partnership to shape the electricity strategy, deliver aims of its energy policy, and help to secure clean and affordable energy for the island’s future, and said the work was ‘powering ahead’.
Mr Beebe looked forward to its scheduled publication in the first quarter of 2023.
‘Once it is done we can get on with it. A sustainable environment will encourage young people to stay in the island,’ he said.
‘It is a big shift, changing direction, embracing a renewable world and capitalising Guernsey as much as possible.’
The extent of the impacts of a wind farm on Guernsey’s environment, wildlife, shipping and fisheries are currently unknown.
Roland Gauvain, chief executive of the Alderney Wildlife Trust, was rather sceptical of the chances of a major wind farm development off the Guernsey coast, and said its impact on wildlife would be uncertain.
‘The reality is they need to assess the impact and design and mitigate accordingly. And until you understand the scale of it, you won’t know what the impact will be.’
