Develop new ways of generating electricity within the island

Each time electricity is obtained from France, Guernsey loses a degree of independence in any future negotiations with the country for any topic at all. Plus this is a financial transfer of cash from Guernsey to France for ever – we need to keep our own money.

Over the next ten years it would be much safer to develop new means of generating electricity within Guernsey by following modern technology being applied worldwide.

1. All businesses should install solar panels on their roofs starting this year. States planning requirements should be minimised. These solar panels would feed excess electric power back into the States electricity department.

2. Every residence should be encouraged to install solar panels on their roofs or gardens by minimising any States planning restrictions. These solar panels would also feed back electric power into the States electricity department.

3. I am told that Guernsey people do not like windmills because of their noise. Install windmills at remote locations or at sea where the noise of windmills is minimised. Windmill power generation is a well-proven technology and can be seen all over Europe and the USA.

4. There are discussions to develop a new jetty out into the sea to allow for larger boats. I am not sure where this jetty goes in the sea. Install many undersea tidal electricity generators within the jetty structure all along the new quay. Maintenance and accessibility is helped by vertical shafts from the surface of the new jetty.

5. Cover the North Pier in solar panels so that each parking place has access to electrical charging. If not used then the solar panels would be feeding electrical power back into the States electricity department

6. There are companies in Guernsey who have significant expertise in solar panel technology and hence there is no need for outside consultants at all.

7. The Environment committee of the States of Guernsey are developing a strategy for electric power and I have full confidence in their competence so hope my suggestions help.

8. Much of the above could be funded by companies as a business venture requiring little involvement by the States of Guernsey or the Electricity department.

The easy direction of a new cable to France followed by a reduction of island independence plus sending megapounds of cash to France will not really affect me as I am aged but it will affect my grandchildren.

REX FERBRACHE.