Guernsey Electricity’s annual maintenance programme at the power station and across the network is progressing well, making use of the lower demand for electricity during the summer months.
The critical work, which sees a range of repairs and upgrades to plant and control systems across July and August, forms part of a multi-million pound project of planned investment in the essential generating equipment located at the Vale power station and network infrastructure.
Jon Sexton, Guernsey Electricity’s Head of Engineering and Design, said: “Each summer, we can fully satisfy the lower on-Island demand for electricity through the importation of low-carbon energy from Europe via the subsea cable.
“This allows us to conduct maintenance on our essential equipment and also undertake routine testing to ensure we are ready for the Autumn and Winter months when power consumption increases, and when we use our power station to supplement what is imported.”
The work includes planned maintenance to fuel tanks, steelwork welding repairs to C station exhausts, upgrades to protection and control systems, general repairs to the diesel generators, along with routine upkeep of substations and other activities.
Mr Sexton added: “Whilst this is essential for keeping the power station in good running order, our long-term aim is for the gradual retirement of our old diesel generators and the further development of power from renewables.
“The extent to which these generators are replaced, and the type of equipment they are replaced by, is highly dependent upon the Island’s Electricity Strategy which will be debated by the States in September.
“The Island’s total energy needs could be met by a second subsea cable which will provide additional capacity and resilience, but the power station will always remain a back-up function here on-island.
