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Demand for electricity will double in the next 30 years without any change in policy, and Guernsey Electricity's CEO says now is the time for the States to create "a compelling energy vision".
Environment & Infrastructure has published a statement of intent on energy policy, which it is aiming to release a strategy on next year.
The statement outlines four policy outcomes which will underpin the energy policy:
Decarbonisation - manage and support change in the energy market in line with global efforts to reduce emissions;
Security - allow for an open energy market with all suppliers having shared responsibility for security;
Affordability - facilitate a competitive energy supply market using shared critical infrastructure as appropriate; and
Growth of renewables - establish a secure supply platform as an enabling factor for the growth of renewable technologies.
However, the committee came under some criticism at last night's IoD annual convention for not including more detail on how it would realise its plans.
Pictured: Alan Bates was on an expert panel with Deputy Barry Brehaut at last night's IoD convention.
Guernsey Electricity CEO Alan Bates said the infrastructure at the power station - which has been in use this year because of a broken cable link to France - was environmentally unsustainable. Half of their generators are 25 years old and one is approaching 40.
“There is no do nothing option. If we don’t go on and do something we will be spending a lot of money on stranded assets," he said.
"We are getting to a point where we are going to make poor decisions by not making decisions.
"Fairly soon we need to create that compelling vision for Guernsey. We need to get on with it."
A new electricity cable is being laid and E&I said that was a positive start.
"Establishing the cable link is the single most significant decision Guernsey has taken to enable reduction in emissions, but our increasing reliance on electricity affects the way in which supply must be secured," the committee said. "Maintaining energy security across the energy mix throughout this transition is a core policy objective. Establishing measures to ensure a level of hydrocarbon security is equally important during the transition as reducing volumes will affect the market dynamics.
"To that end the Committee will be proposing an energy policy that will include emissions targets and internal combustion engine restrictions (in line with other jurisdictions) to enable the energy sector to make sound investment decisions in infrastructure to support the transition. A clear policy direction and regulatory framework will help to provide a comprehensible context for providers in sectors related to energy."
Pictured top: Alan Bates.
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