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A report published today argues the case for using wind energy to raise revenue for Guernsey by suggesting ways the island "can exploit" our seabeds and the use of emerging technologies.
Three reports were researched and produced by a group of 15 deputies who say they are acting independently of any States committee.
The 15 deputies behind the research are: Chris Blin, David De Lisle, John Dyke, Peter Ferbrache, John Gollop, Sam Haskins, Mark Helyar, Rob Prow, Lester Queripel, David Mahoney, Liam McKenna, Carl Meerveld, Nick Moakes, Bob Murray and Alderney Representative Alex Snowdon.
The reports, which can be read in full below, are attributed to specific deputies who have focused on the three different sectors.
They looked at wind, solar and tidal power. The reports for solar and tidal power can be read in full below, while Deputy Carl Meerveld has explained the wind report in detail through the next Bailiwick Podcast which be heard HERE:
The Offshore Wind Energy report, compiled by Deputy Carl Meerveld, explores the opportunity to develop a large-scale wind farm off the South and/or West coasts of Guernsey.
It suggests that construction of a 1,500 megawatt wind farm off our coast could attract inward investment into Guernsey of up to £5 billion and "generate tens of millions of pounds in annual option and lease fees for the States of Guernsey".
Deputy Meerveld found the wind farm "could provide Guernsey with a long-term secure source of electricity at low prices helping to lower all residents cost of living and reducing potential fuel poverty. This source of electricity would also be truly ‘green’, with a very low carbon impact, helping Guernsey to achieve its net-zero by 2050 target".
Pictured: Deputy De Lisle (l) looked at solar and tidal possibilities, while Deputy Meerveld explored wind.
He reports that it will take up to 12 years to start generating power, although "significant option and lease fees can still be earned by Guernsey while the wind farm is being developed". These option fees could start generating income for the island within two years, he says.
The report into solar energy highlights the rapid growth of the UK solar industry – a success story which Deputy David De Lisle says can be replicated here in Guernsey. He says solar projects can be installed very quickly, and the potential is vast.
The report into solar power concludes that "it is feasible and indeed recommended to generate far more power from the solar PV".
Pictured: Solar panels are already visible across the island, but wind farms are deemed a better use of Guernsey's natural resources according to the research published today.
The research concludes with a recommendation that the States sets up enabling regimes to encourage PV solar on building roof tops and brownfield sites and encourage householders to install PV panels by making the planning laws easier to navigate and guaranteeing a buy back market.
The tidal report was authored by Deputy De Lisle as well and he said it "notes the results of many years of research and development in France’s Raz Blanchard as part of the Tiger Project".
While the research shows the seas surrounding Guernsey are suited to tidal generation, it also states that "the technological barriers to affordable generation make tidal exploitation difficult commercially at this time and the recommendation is to watch and wait on developments with tidal arrays".
Pictured: Tidal power was researched but was deemed less attractive and viable an opportunity than wind power.
Deputy De Lisle also said that "on the other hand, tidal barrage technology is well established and there are opportunities to explore similar technology across bays in Guernsey".
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