Reality check needed on green energy cost

But in fact, before we can even think of becoming reliant on this technology, there are certain things we have got to do.

First of all, we are going to have to work out how many kilowatts of electricity we are going to need wind and water turbines, and solar panels, to provide. And that has to assume that we will all be using electric vehicles (including aircraft, ferries, ships and private boats), because isn’t that what the zero-carbon lobby want?

And it has to assume that electricity will replace all our heating oil, coal and gas usage. Then you’d better add something for contingencies, because we always underestimate these things. And we’d better remember that we would be foolish indeed to increase our dependence on electric cable connections with France.

When you’ve done that you will be able to work out how much kit – wind and water turbines, and solar panels – will be needed. And you’ll need a bit extra to cover breakdowns, and further kit to smooth over the times when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine, tidal fluctuations, and daily fluctuations in demand.

Then you will be in a position to work out where you are going to put it all. Where are you going to stand all the wind turbines? Are you going to adorn the south-facing cliffs with solar panels? And what about the other Bailiwick islands?

Then you’ll be able to work out how much this is all going to cost. And you’d better add on a good bit for further contingencies, because these things always overrun don’t they?

And you’ve got to realise that this won’t be just a one-off cost. There will be ongoing repairs and maintenance, and all this kit will have a finite lifespan, and especially wind and water turbines that are in or near the salt sea.

Then you will be in position to work out whether and how we can afford to pay for all this, bearing in mind that many are already exercising their minds on how we are going to pay for even the present scope of public spending, given the future demographic and other expected future changes.

Then after all that you’ve still got to realise that even if Guernsey were to achieve zero carbon, this wouldn’t make a ha’porth of difference in world terms. You might just as well think that building a reservoir 1,000 times the size of our St Saviour’s reservoir and filling it with sea water would reduce sea levels. In any case, a huge amount of our energy usage is imported in the form of the energy that has been used to produce the food and manufactured goods that we buy from outside the island.

Or perhaps you think that our example would persuade, or even shame, huge countries like China into changing their stance on fossil fuel usage? If you think that then I’m afraid you’re dreaming.

The Chinese Communist Party has a contempt for western democracies, which it sees as being decadent and effete, and in fact is working hard for its totalitarian regime to become dominant in the world. But don’t just take my word for it. You may find a number of authors who have written on this theme.

One such is US author Michael P Senger, who in October 2021 published a book called Snake Oil: How Xi Jinping Shut Down the World, which offers explanations of why democratic governments around the world followed the example of a totalitarian regime into swingeing denials of civil liberties, with all the social and financial damage these caused, and why we became so fearful of Covid-19. Senger’s book is well and convincingly argued, with copious references to his sources.

Well, the course of the pandemic is another story, but in the telling of it, Senger sheds much light on the CCP’s motivations and objectives.

Senger explains that Xi Jinping is well aware that, in the 21st century, the way to power and influence is through stealth, strategy, diplomacy and duplicity.

The Belt and Road initiative is already spreading China’s tentacles. They are investing a good deal of money around the world, which is greatly increasing their influence. Reference to the internet indicates that, of 54 Commonwealth countries, around 39 have already joined in with BRI; as have 19 out of 30 Nato countries. Only a few days ago Prince William was quoted as saying that he did not expect to become the head of a British Commonwealth.

This is worrying stuff, since China is a vast totalitarian country. It shows how much we need to be looking after ourselves, and should be taking great care not to damage our economy with excessive tax and spend, or with what would be relatively insignificant gestures in the cause of zero carbon.

BOB PERKINS

Les Corneilles

Rue de la Ronde Cheminee

Castel

GY5 7GD