Canadian delegation visits Guernsey to learn about imported energy

Tuesday 13 August 2019

A delegation from Canada’s Madeleine Islands and Le Manche Department in France were recently in Guernsey to learn more about the Island’s energy infrastructure and to exchange information on importing electricity.

Hosted by Guernsey Electricity, the delegation visited the power station and Havelet Bay, where works are due to begin to install the new energy cable connecting Guernsey to France via Jersey.

The Madeleine Islands generate all of their electricity through a power station but are progressing a 225km subsea cable link project which will provide a direct connection to the Canadian mainland.

Alan Bates, Chief Executive of Guernsey Electricity, said: "The visit was timely as the Canadian delegation wanted to further understand how Guernsey manages its connection projects with Jersey and France, how we combine the use of our power station and the importation of electricity, as well as our approach to renewable energy. There was particular interest in learning about our interconnectors, which are the connection points between Guernsey, Jersey and France, and their installation. As Guernsey Electricity is in the midst of replacing the subsea cable connection to Jersey, we were able to share advice and best practice.

"Knowledge sharing with other small energy communities is hugely valuable. The fact that the Madeleine Islands are moving towards imported energy is encouraging for the Channel Islands and other comparable jurisdictions with similar energy strategies."

The visitors, which included the President Conseil Departement La Manche Marc Lefevre and Jonathan Lapierre, Mayor of the Municipality of Iles-de-la-Madeleine, also met Chief Minister Gavin St Pier and Ciara Harnden, External Affairs Officer.

The Madeleine Islands are a set of seven islands off the coast of Canada which form part of the province of Quebec. The islands have been twinned with the French region of La Manche for 26 years and States members regularly visit each other to exchange information and share ideas. The visit was part of a ten day trip which covered Paris, Normandy and Guernsey.

Pictured top: L-R Thierry Motte, Christine Bonhomme, Sony Cormier, Laure Abeille-Brown (GEL), Serge Rochon, Michel Bonato, Anne-Emanuelle Tardif, Sally-Ann David (GEL), Jonathan Lapierre, Philippe Pesant-Bellemare, Marc Lefevre, Gaetan Richard, Sharon Watchorn (GEL) and Alan Bates (GEL).