Guernsey Electricity’s programme of annual maintenance at the Vale power station is progressing well and making use of the lower demand for electricity during the summer months.
This critical work forms part of the ongoing multi-million pound investment in essential generating equipment located at the facility and the electricity network infrastructure.
Essential work has recently been completed on ‘4C,’ one of the four slow-speed diesel generators located in ‘C Station’, so it is ready to provide top-up generation in the colder winter months when the Island’s demand exceeds the import capacity of the sub-sea cable and also as a back-up if required.
Jon Sexton, Guernsey Electricity’s Head of Engineering and Design, said: “Each summer, we fully meet the lower demand for electricity through the importation of low-carbon energy from Europe.
“This allows us to conduct maintenance on essential on-island generation equipment and also undertake routine testing to ensure we are ready for the autumn and winter months when electricity consumption naturally increases, so the power station can be used to supplement our imports.”
Originally commissioned in 1987, 4C has undergone a thorough maintenance process by the company’s engineers, including regrinding exhaust valves, cleaning and balancing turbos, along with overall engine maintenance. Other key tasks comprise steelwork welding repairs to C Station exhausts, upgrades to protection and control systems, overhaul of the diesel generators, along with routine upkeep of on-site substations, fuel tanks and other activities.
Mr Sexton added: “Longer-term, our total energy needs could be met by a second sub-sea cable – which will provide additional capacity and resilience – and on island renewables, although the power station will always remain an important back-up function.”
