2 hours ago
GUERNSEY’S electricity supply from France via the Channel Islands Electricity Grid should be secure – and that security could be further enhanced soon, Guernsey Electricity has said.
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The Global Symphony was used to bury the replacement GJ1 cable. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 29516907)
Talks are under way to lay a direct 54km marine cable between Vale and La Manche – known as GF1 – giving Guernsey direct access to the European grid.
‘The current situation again demonstrates the need for Guernsey to have its own direct cable link which would connect with the European grid via France and provide enhanced security of supply,’ said Guernsey Electricity CEO Alan Bates.
Wednesday March 17, 2021, 10:21 AM
The solar energy came from Normandy, wind energy from Paris and the Loire Valley and hydro from Brittany. Credit: PA Images
All of the electricity imported to Guernsey from France last year was entirely from renewable sources.
It comes after Guernsey Electricity switched to 100% renewable imports.
The company has now received verification of its Guarantees of Origin (GoO) certificate, which shows where in France the electricity was produced over the past 12 months, and whether it is solar, wind or hydroelectricity.
58%
Some of the hydro energy came from Brittany.
23%
The wind energy came from places including Paris and the Loire Valley.
Editor’s footnote: a Guernsey Electricity spokesperson replied:
Guernsey Electricity firmly believes that the energy sector must take the lead in creating a greener and sustainable world. As a company, we understand our role and how we can help tackle climate change for our society.
Earlier this year, we took the first step by switching our imports to totally renewable and sustainable electricity. Guernsey now enjoys an imported supply from 100% renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectricity. This is an exciting step and shows that small jurisdictions such as Guernsey can lead the way in moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and in doing so protect the environment for future generations.