News

IMPORTING electricity from the European Grid has significantly reduced the island’s carbon footprint.

The proportion of electricity generated using fossil fuels has fallen sharply since the cable link was installed. Prior to that Guernsey was entirely dependent on oil for all its power requirements, however the majority of electricity is now imported and most comes from other, cleaner technologies.

And although figures released today show there was a sharp rise in local generation between April 2006 and March 2007, oil and other fossil fuels still only accounted for half the island’s electricity over this period.

Nuclear power was estimated to have contributed 47% of the island’s electricity, with renewable sources, including hydropower, making up the remaining 3%.

Fossil fuels, which also include coal and gas, are the largest source of global carbon emissions, and most experts believe they have a strong link to climate change.

Since 2001, when the cable link was fully operational, nearly 80% of Guernsey’s electricity has come from Europe. As well as reducing carbon emissions, the reduction in on-island generation has also seen a significant drop in the levels of other potentially harmful emissions, such as sulphur dioxide.

Guernsey Electricity managing director Ian Watson said reducing the island’s dependence on oil was one of the primary reasons why the cable link was installed.

‘Having the ability to source energy from technologies other than fossil fuels clearly has considerable environmental benefits, but there are also other advantages. No longer being reliant on a single fuel is crucial to the security of the island’s electricity supply, and that was another of the reasons for installing the cable link. That investment has delivered enormous benefits for the island,’ he said.

Although most of Guernsey’s electricity is now imported, the Vale Power Station still has the capacity to supply all the island’s requirements.

In the 12 months to 31 March 2007, local generation provided 45% of the island’s electricity. This was the highest level since imports began.

Mr Watson said the increase in production at the Vale Power Station was a response to falling oil prices, which meant at times local production was more economic. However other factors may increasingly influence the decision between on-island generation and import.

‘We have to strike a balance. We need to provide an affordable electricity supply, but we also have to take account of any public concerns over carbon emissions and environmental issues,’ he said.

Guernsey Electricity has also invested in pioneering research into tidal power generation, which Mr Watson said could provide a viable source of electricity for the island in future.