This webpage sets out the States of Guernsey's Energy Policy and its objectives.
Access to energy is a critical requirement which enables us to undertake daily activities such as using the internet, cooking, working, and staying warm. In Guernsey, we currently rely on fossil-fuel based systems of energy production and consumption and operate a thermal power station. However, it is recognised that as part of the response to climate change, there is a need to transition to an energy mix with limited, if not zero carbon emissions. This is often referred to as the energy transition.
The Energy Policy 2020 - 2050, agreed in May 2020, provides direction to the energy market for long-term planning and investment, to manage the transition to decarbonisation and increased electrification for consumers. This will ensure that Guernsey keeps up to date with global decarbonisation trends, regulations, technologies, industry practises and innovation.
The Energy Policy 2020-2050 established that the vast majority of Guernsey's energy supplies will come from clean, low carbon sources by 2050 at the latest, local renewable generation will be encouraged and residual emissions will be offset. In order to deliver this, the six following objectives were agreed:
- Decarbonisation - Decarbonisation of the Island's energy system will be in line with developing and evolving international standards and those set by other jurisdictions to mitigate climate change. This means our aim must be to have an energy system in which our energy supplies come from clean, low carbon sources. The outcome of this will be clean air and a healthy environment in which our community lives.
- Security and resilience of supply - Maintaining the required level of security of supply to withstand simultaneous infrastructure failures within the system and still serve our energy needs. Working on the basis of increased interconnection; the existing requirement to have suffcient on-island generation to meet peak demand without the use of the two largest generators at the power station (known as N-2 criteria) would be updated, as appropriate, to maintain security of supply levels in light of increased connectivity.
- Consumer value and choice - An approach to competition in the energy market that is aligned with Guernsey's scale and size, and one where consumers can have a choice over their primary source of energy.
- Equity and fairness - An energy market where all consumers pay a share of the maintenance of the system, and in return receive equal access to the opportunities that come from technological advances.
- Supporting a vibrant economy - A clean, reliable, and affordable energy supply is a fundamental economic enabler. Establishing an environment for the development of on-island (including offshore) renewables will support the diversification and vibrancy of Guernsey's economy. A shift to decarbonisation in Guernsey will be an essential reputational advantage to support the growth of the green finance sector. Establishing a clean and secure energy supply is a significant component of decarbonisation and assists in delivering the credibility and reputation that underpin growth in green finance.
- Greater energy independence - A system where a greater and significant proportion of our community's energy needs are supplied through local energy sources. This will increase resilience by reducing exposure to external and geopolitical factors.
The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure is developing an Electricity Strategy for Guernsey. The strategy will consider expected future energy demand levels and set out how this demand could be met, whilst also reviewing how the market structure will need to change to support this.
