Preferred electricity strategy has support of business group
THE States' proposed new electricity strategy will deliver an affordable, secure energy supply, the Confederation of Guernsey Industry has said, as it throws its support behind the Environment & Infrastructure proposals.
E&I’s preferred option, known as pathway D, would see wind power supply more than half of the island’s electricity needs.
About 10% would be generated by solar power, while the remainder would come from a new direct cable link with France.
The policy letter is due to be debated next week.
In a statement, the CGi said that it had raised a number of concerns during the consultation on the new strategy last year, including security of electricity supply, maintaining energy affordability, and the role of Guernsey Electricity.
CGi chairman Dave Newman said that the group was pleased to see that pathway D recognised its concerns.
‘Security of supply and affordable energy are the absolute priorities our members, along with adopting proven technology in the short to medium-term and the ability to introduce novel technologies in the future if suited to Guernsey.’
He added that, while there were a few points where the group disagreed and some areas where the strategy could have gone further to support group members’ interests, the group was happy to offer its support.
The CGi’s other representations included a focus on solar power opportunities locally, and a more proportionate and staged approach to regulation.
‘We have been waiting for the electricity strategy for a long time, but are pleased that the preferred option from E&I appears to allow for progress towards achieving real outcomes for the industry and our community,’ Mr Newman said.
