- Jersey and Guernsey look to work more closely together with plans for new power link
- Jersey Electricity has submitted plans to improve Island’s power-sharing capability
- Should the two islands work more closely together? Take our poll below
PLANS have been submitted for a new power link between Jersey and Guernsey as the islands prepare for an expected rise in demand for electricity.
Jersey Electricity has submitted the planning application, along with another to provide a replacement link from Jersey to France, to improve the islands’ power-sharing capability and network resilience.
If approved, the permit will allow the company to install an underwater electricity cable alongside an existing link that runs from Grève de Lecq to Guernsey.
Earlier this week the JEP revealed that demand for electricity in the Island had risen by 40 per cent over the last decade. Chris Ambler, Jersey Electricity’s chief executive, said that this rise was likely to continue in the coming years, but at a slightly lower rate.
‘A secondary Guernsey link will increase the robustness of connections between Jersey and Guernsey,’ Mr Ambler said. There is a benefit for Jersey in having the two islands connected robustly. It gives us more flexibility when it comes to generating power. Occasionally we might generate electricity for them and they might generate it for us.’
Mr Ambler explained that the new Guernsey link should be a straightforward project, as the route was established and connecting facilities already existed at both destinations. The existing power link between
Jersey and Guernsey was installed in 2000, but has caused problemsfor Jersey Electricity twice before, and failed completely two years ago.
Last year JE completed a major project to add a new underwater cable link between Jersey and France. The company is also in the process of replacing the now defunct EDF 1 link – the first cable that brought electricity to the Island from the continent.
And as more people turn to electricity rather than fossil fuels for power, JE has created an ‘energy solutions team’ to help customers to make the switch.
Mr Ambler added: ‘Over time we will see an increasing demand for electric power in the western world.’
JERSEY agreed in 2014 to work closely with a French marine energy group on the development of sea-based renewable power.
As part of the Channel Islands Marine Renewable Energy Group, Jersey will work with West Normandy Marine Energy to find ways to address issues common to both regions and to encourage business and research in the renewable energy sector.
In signing the agreement, Jersey and the Channel Islands have pledged to share relevant information with the French, work on common issues and barriers, host networking events, promote the marine energy sector, encourage collaboration and support joint renewable energy projects in each other’s waters.
SPORTING leaders in Jersey and Guernsey need to work together to ensure the future of inter-island competition, according to the head of the Island’s Sports Council.
Hugh Raymond says that a lack of affordable transport is hampering the chances of sporting competition between the Channel Islands.
He believes that sport clubs in Jersey and Guernsey need to come together to create ‘a galaxy of sport’ and organise specific dates for inter-insular trips to allow transport operators to cater for their needs collectively.
At present, inter-island competitions take place on numerous dates throughout the year and there is little or no co-ordination between sports.
Last month Jersey Spartan Athletic Club’s cross- country team had to cancel their trip to Guernsey because they could not find transport to carry their team of 45 across the water.
They looked into chartering a private aircraft but the cost was too high. Mr Raymond said: ‘I believe that inter-insular competition is the bedrock of sport in Jersey. One of the things we are trying to do is get various sports to work as a collective, because currently they just work separately.’
