2000 - 20012003 - 2004
Protecting The Local EnvironmentGuernsey Electricity has long recognised the need to reduce the impact of our activities on the local environment. Indeed, when the cable link was proposed we undertook ground-breaking research into environmental issues and alternative energy sources, and have since made much progress in this area.
One of Guernsey Electricity's early actions to reduce local emissions was made while we were still wholly dependent on burning heavy fuel oil, with the decision to purchase fuel with a low sulphur content. For this we have to pay a premium. Much greater progress has since been made with the investment in our submarine cable link, which has reduced the need to burn oil by 80%.
We have now taken another significant step towards further potential improvement in the local environment, with our £250,000 investment in the UK energy development company Marine Current Turbines Limited. This will ensure the Company has full access to cutting edge technical data on the emerging technology of tidal power, with a view to developing a project in local waters when this becomes a practical option.
This new technology converts the power found naturally in local tidal movements to electrical energy. Guernsey Electricity has been monitoring potential renewable energy sources for many years and we are very pleased to see the possible development of a source that would be uniquely suited to the Island.
Investing In Technology
With technology advancing in many areas faster than ever before, we remain fully aware of the need to take advantage of all opportunities offered by new systems to benefit our Guernsey community and for the long term business success of Guernsey Electricity.
I have already mentioned the marine current turbine project. Another area where we are applying new technology for the benefit of our customers and for the Company's business advantage is in the development of our metering systems.
Maintaining Our Power Station
The Vale Power Station remains in service to act as back-up to and, on occasions, to supplement the import of electricity via the Channel Islands Electricity Grid. In the last financial year, approximately 19% of Island electricity demand was generated on island, and sufficient plant is maintained at all times to meet all requirements using a combination of diesel and gas turbine generators.
The intermittent operation of the slow speed diesel generating sets is far from ideal; however thermal efficiencies of the engines remain at a high level. Some difficulties associated with this operating regime were encountered during the year but have now been addressed.
The new 11MW "Cyclone" gas turbine supplied under a turnkey contract by Siemens was commissioned in May 2003. This machine was purchased as a direct replacement for the Stal-Laval gas turbine that had been in service since 1973 and has since been retired.
Investing In Our Network
The Island's cable and sub-station network continues to grow and improve. There is currently much building development locally, with the focus of attention over the past year on the new properties being constructed along Glategny Esplanade and at Admiral Park.
A new primary 11kV substation and a number of smaller secondary substations have been installed to supply this important new commercial area of the Island. A new 33kV bulk supply point at Bellegreve has also been commissioned during the year which will take the load from Admiral Park and the whole of the development area around Bellegreve and Pitronnerie Road.
Work also started this year on a new 33kV switch-room for the Vale Power Station. When complete, this installation will both reduce the risks associated with the present switchgear and provide necessary expansion capability.