A preliminary feasibility study has concluded that offshore wind technology could be viable in several locations off Guernsey’s coast.
The study, by Xodus Group, was  funded jointly by the States of Guernsey and Guernsey Electricity. It found that developing a 30MW will achieve the fundamental objective of an independent supply of electricity, with price certainty, sustainability and lower carbon. The cost is higher than the current French imports and on-island generation. To mitigate the higher cost it  recommend that the project be mainly funded by the States of Guernsey to secure the lowest cost of finance.
The lowest cost site is likely to be in the shallow waters off the north coast (or any coastal site). However, this near shore location may have visual and other human impact.
Deputy Shane Langlois, member of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said:
‘A 30MW offshore wind farm has the potential to generate around one third of Guernsey’s current electricity requirements. While the cost of electricity generated by wind turbines would, at the moment, be more expensive than importing or on-island generation, it is clear that the gap between the two is narrowing and will likely continue to do so as the technology further evolves. Indeed recent tenders in northern Europe have been at very competitive prices. The Committee welcomes the findings of this study and, while not without risk, believes there are significant opportunities in progressing this work, such as security of supply, energy independence, fixed prices and lower emissions.’
Stuart Blondel, Head of Assets at Guernsey Electricity, said: ‘Guernsey Electricity continues to monitor and assess all forms of renewable energy and energy storage technologies. Our strategic planning takes account of the island’s aspirations for energy diversification and security at an affordable price. We believe community based macro scale renewable generation as identified in this study combined with suitable means of energy storage will be a commercially viable option within the 2020s and, combined with careful management of energy demand and other forms of embedded energy harnessing, the island will achieve its aims for a sustainable future’

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