New power cable on its way to the Channel Islands

Tuesday 24 September 2019

Guernsey's replacement undersea electricity cable is on track to be fully installed by early November, but the island's power generation could be less reliable while the work is being carried out.

When the cable has been installed, it will take pressure off the power station and allow Guernsey to return to importing more than 90% of its electricity from sustainable sources in France.

But in the meantime, the old cable has been completely switched off to allow safe completion of the final stages of the project. Guernsey will therefore be reliant on on-island generation only, which Guernsey Electricity said had 'reduced the resilience' of the power they are generating. 

The ship carrying the cable has departed Scandinavia, and is expected to arrive at Greve de Lecq in Jersey on 3 October and Havelet Bay in Guernsey on 6 October ready for installation, weather permitting. As scheduled, the new cable should be energised with all site works and burial complete in both Islands in early November.

Pictured: Work has already been started at Havelet to prepare for the cable's arrival. 

Guernsey Electricity Project Manager Sharon Watchorn said: "This is an emergency replacement of part of the Channel Islands Electricity Grid network; hence the project has been significantly fast tracked to minimise the environmental effects of Guernsey relying on fossil fuels for electricity generation. A project of this complexity would usually take two to three years. 

“We are pleased that the project timeline is on track as this means - weather permitting - that the Island will return to a low carbon and renewable supply of electricity by the end of 2019. 

“We would again like to thank all stakeholders for their support and understanding of this essential project.”

Guernsey Electricity said it wanted to reassure islanders that work will be completed as quickly and safely as possible and preparatory works have been completed to minimise risks and potential supply disruption.

Pictured top: A map of the GJ1 cable.