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Two external reports on the future of Alderney’s energy system have been published, and the States of Alderney are inviting islanders to a public drop-in next week to discuss their findings.
The States of Alderney commissioned the reports from ORE Catapult Development Services Ltd - a subsidiary of the Catapult consortium of developers and academics in offshore renewable energy - who modelled a hybrid mix renewable energy sources for the island.
It scoped various energy options across short, medium, and long-term timeframes in one report. The other report collated a series of previously produced studies to provide an overview of the local energy situation.
The options were assessed against cost, security of supply, carbon footprint reduction, and potential environmental impact with a consideration of the impact on the character of the island.
A public drop-in session has been arranged for Wednesday 13 July between 14:30 and 17:00 at the Island Hall for residents to discuss the findings.
Pictured: The quantity and types of fuel currently imported to power Alderney.
The preferred short-term option for minimising energy costs and supply risks identified in the scoping study is to install one onshore wind turbine.
ORE suggests this could displace 700,000 litres of diesel saving £400,000 per year in fuel costs. The turbine could also be owned and operated by a private developer through a power purchase agreement.
Should that happen, approximately £200,000 saved in fuel costs could offset consumer bills or fund other projects.
For the medium term an increase in “the volume and mix of renewable energy production,” in tandem with increased battery storage, could reduce diesel consumption by up to 82%.
ORE says the optimum mix would be half onshore solar and half onshore wind, with a probable energy capacity of three to four megawatts.
An uptake of 15% for electric heat pumps in lieu of domestic oil heating was predicted to double the islands current energy demand. ORE argues that decarbonising heating systems is major element in future-proofing the grid.
They also say that tidal power is unlikely to be realised in the short and medium term due to a lack of route to market and since the technologies required are still under development.
The cost of connecting Alderney to either France or Guernsey with a high voltage direct current cable was estimated at above £350m.
Pictured: A single type of renewable generation is not considered viable for Alderney.
ORE says renewably produced hydrogen is expected to dominate the market by 2050: “Hydrogen production may provide the key for Alderney to unlock the significant tidal stream resources within its territorial waters and perhaps remove heating system reliance on fossil fuels.”
Currently, the island generates all its electricity via four 500kW diesel generators. All fuel for electricity, heating and transport is imported on tanker ships.
The report claims this leaves Alderney subject to “global market price fluctuations” and identified that it's shipping fleet will need replacement by 2030, which will likely increase fuel costs for consumers.
ORE claims that shifting domestic heating, currently fuelled by kerosene oil, to renewable sources poses “significant challenges” due to grid constraints and the relatively high cost of electricity per unit.
A survey of Alderney’s housing stock to accurately determine levels of insulation and heat demand should be undertaken, according to ORE.
Pictured: Tidal generation is unlikely to be cost effective in the short to medium term, even with the energy potential within Alderney's territorial waters.
Bill Abel, Chair of the States of Alderney’s Energy Group, said the drop-in would provide further information to residents.
“This is an opportunity for Islanders to understand how a hybrid mix of power supply and storage technologies would meet the island’s objectives of minimising the cost of energy, reducing or mitigating energy supply risks, and minimising or eliminating the use of carbon- emitting energy sources.
“It enables the States of Alderney to focus on achieving the renewable energy goals set out in the Island Plan which was approved by the States earlier this year.”
You can read the reports in full HERE.
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