A major new electricity strategy for Guernsey, developed in partnership with Siemens, has been agreed by the Island’s government.
The Electricity Strategy for Guernsey, approved on 7th September, sets out a strategic direction for how the Island will manage increased demand while balancing security of supply, affordability, and meeting its goal of net zero by 2050 at the latest.
The strategy outlines that Guernsey will achieve these aims by creating more renewable energy in the form of both solar and offshore wind arrays, and by installing a second subsea cable to France with a 100-Megawatt capacity. Further, detailed exploratory work will now be undertaken to determine the implementation and funding options available for these three main components of the supply pathway.
The agreed solution is one of six potential electricity supply pathways that were explored by Siemens, working closely with the States of Guernsey’s Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, as well as other elected politicians, Guernsey’s energy providers and business organisations through a technical consultation and engagement process.
As well as delivering environmental and resilience benefits, the strategy will also allow the Island to make cost savings in the long-term, with the forecast maintenance for its existing infrastructure estimated to be more expensive than adopting the new plan.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, at the States of Guernsey, said: “We know that demand for electricity on the Island is going to continue to grow and it’s vital that we have a plan in place to meet it while delivering on our net-zero ambitions and ensuring supply is affordable and reliable.”
“We’re grateful to Siemens for the extensive technical support it has provided in developing this important strategy, which will allow us to meet those goals.”
Ellis Williams, executive consultant at Siemens, said: “This strategy gives Guernsey a roadmap that will allow it to boost its energy security, progress towards net zero, and unlock economic growth opportunities across the Island. It also plays a valuable role in protecting Guernsey’s unique natural surroundings for future generations.
“There are a number of islands which are facing similar challenges when it comes to energy security and net zero, and initiatives such as this will be critical if we are to achieve our environmental goals.
“Our experience in developing and executing similar strategies in territories around the world left us well placed to help tackle this challenge.”
Siemens has recently completed similar energy strategy projects for Madeira and the Galapagos islands and implemented technology to help modernise their infrastructure.
