Guernsey not impacted by UK coal ban

Monday 02 March 2020

The UK's recently announced ban on household coal shouldn't have an effect on Guernsey's fuel supply, although decarbonisation is still the island's "ultimate goal".

The UK government has agreed plans to phase out use of the most polluting domestic fuels, including coal and wet wood.

In a bid to improve air quality, England's sales of bagged house coal will end in February next year, while loose coal will be removed from the market in 2023.

This is, however, unlikely to affect households with coal fires in the island, according to Guernsey Coal.

Pictured: E&I President, Deputy Barry Brehaut.

"Please be assured that Guernsey Coal Distributors have plentiful supplies of its full range of quality house coals and HETAS approved smokeless fuels available for both delivery and collection," a spokesperson for the company said.

"Guernsey Coal Distributors will continue to serve Guernsey for many years to come."

While the States of Guernsey have no current plans to follow England's lead in banning coal, the Committee for Environment & Infrastructure is taking steps to reduce the island's carbon footprint.

"The committee will soon publish its Energy Policy," explained E&I President, Deputy Barry Brehaut. "While there will be no specific measures regarding the use of coal, this policy letter seeks to set a platform for the island's energy provision as it moves through a period of transition towards the ultimate goal of decarbonisation."

More information is expected this week.