Guernsey Electricity power station tour

Guernsey Electricity is hosting a number of guided tours of the Vale power station over the next few weeks to help Islanders understand the work of the local utility as it powers the Island’s future and as the Electricity Strategy debate nears in the States.

The one-hour guided tours will demonstrate how electricity is generated, give Islanders an opportunity to see the various fossil-fuel generators currently deployed at the power station and explain how the import cable, which supplies 100% renewable energy from the European grid, works.

The visits, which are free of charge and open to all, are taking place in advance of the future debate in the States of Guernsey on the Electricity Strategy, which will determine the Island’s long-term direction.

Jon Sexton, Guernsey Electricity’s Head of Engineering and Design, said: “As a company we want our future to complement the States’ energy objectives as well as being sustainable and secure. This could see our energy supplied by a renewable mix of local sources and imports and the primary use of the power station changed, including the retirement of some of the older diesel generators.

“Many Islanders are showing a real interest in where their electricity comes from and are more aware of environmental issues than ever before. We already reach out to the community through various initiatives including running a stand at EDABL ‘Seafront Sundays.’

“By offering these tours, we hope to demonstrate what we do and can discuss how we can all work together to reduce Guernsey’s carbon emissions and provide a cleaner, more secure and sustainable future.”

The guided tours are being run in the evenings and at weekends over the next few weeks. They start at Electricity House, before taking in the different generators at the Vale site, the control room and Guernsey Electricity’s underground tunnel.