A proposed combination of solar and wind power could potentially provide the island with a third of its power within three years, according to the States and AEL. 

In a statement, the States of Alderney said: 

“AEL has already completed an upgrade to the power station which currently uses only diesel fuel. It now has the capability to automatically switch between power sources according to the variable input when the wind is light or there is no sunshine.  

“AEL has already undertaken in-depth studies into 15 possible sites for solar energy panels and presented its findings to the Policy & Finance Committee (PFC) which will discuss the options at its meeting in early December.  

“The favoured site is on land at La Corvee, to the east of the airport and well screened from St Anne by woodland, hedgerows and light industrial units. Between one and three megawatts of electricity would be provided by around 2,000 solar panels and take AEL halfway towards its 3x3 target.  

“Three 58m land-based wind turbines could provide the remainder of the renewable energy target.” 

The Policy and Finance Committee Chairman said, Nigel Vooght, said: “These are exciting proposals but may be contentious as such matters always are. 

“That’s why proposals for both types of energy generation will be put out to public consultation in due course, before planning applications are submitted.”