01 October 2007
The Minister for Planning and Environment is today releasing a Consultation Paper – ‘Fuel for Thought’. A number of policy options are proposed to ensure that Jersey achieves a goal of ‘Secure, Affordable and Sustainable Energy’ against a background of a globally diminishing fossil fuel supplies, rising prices and climate change.
The Strategic Plan 2006-2011 identifies the importance of bringing forward an energy policy for Jersey. The island is currently heavily dependant on imported energy which increases our vulnerability to price shocks and physical failures in supply. In addition, as a responsible international global player and a good place in which to live work and do business, Jersey must continue to perform well in terms of its carbon emissions and this will mean reducing our dependence on fossil fuels which comprise two thirds of our current energy use.
The green paper describes the context and rationale for action and goes on to describe the key policy elements. It sets out a simple hierarchy for action backed up by a range of proposed policy options. The main policy objective is to reduce energy use by becoming more efficient and reducing wastage. This will be achieved by setting reduction targets across the domestic, governmental and industrial sectors to maintain energy demand at 2005 levels. A new body, ‘Sustainable Energy Jersey’ is proposed to assist and a package of financial support is recommended that will be funded through environmental taxation.
The policy also considers the viability of large scale renewable energy schemes such as wind and tidal. However, due to the enormous capital costs and potential environmental impacts, these are less attractive in the shorter term when compared to known and proven renewable microgeneration technology such as solar water heating and ground source heat pumps that can be implemented at the household level and have known payback periods. Energy from waste schemes are also viable for both municipal waste and animal manures.
Security of supply and resilience are important factors for an Island so heavily dependent on imported energy. The location and restrictions on the La Collette area as a result of the location of the fuel farm are examined, particularly in the light of possible changes as a result of the report into the Buncefield fuel farm disaster. There is a marginal economic case to bring oil products to the island by pipeline.
Senator Ozouf, a key member of the political steering group for energy policy said ‘ In order to ensure affordable and reliable energy, a well-structured efficient energy market is required and competition in the supply of energy could be stronger both within and between sectors. This may need to take the form of regulation rather than new market entrants’.
Deputy Guy de Faye has recently been appointed to the steering group to replace Senator Stuart Syvret, who is no longer a member of the Council of Ministers. He said, "I would like to pay tribute to the work already carried out by Senator Syvret, as his concerns over energy issues are well known. For my own part, I am particularly interested in renewable forms of energy generation and am familiar with their advantages and disadvantages. My department, Transport and Technical Services, already encourages the recovery of waste oils and the future use of bio-diesel in local vehicle fleets".
Senator Cohen remarked ‘This is an important document that sets out the energy scene for Jersey for the first time and proposes the way ahead. Energy supply is a vitally important issue for the Island and I look forward to hearing Islanders views on all aspects of this consultation’.
-ends-
Downloads
To download the FULL document please click here (PDF File size 1.5MB)
To download the SUMMARY document please click here (PDF File size 0.7MB)
To download the supporting documents
Energy Efficiency Study (PDF File size 0.8MB)
Renewable Resources Study (PDF File size 2MB)
Hydrocarbon Pipelines Study (PDF File size 0.7MB)
Energy Sector Review (PDF File size 0.8MB)
Notes to Editors:
1. For further information, please contact Chris Newton, Director for the Environment, Tel 441610
2. The consultation runs from 1st October to the 7th of December and views are invited on the questions posed in the summary document as well as more general comment.
2. The Policy has been developed over the last 18 months in consultation with a stakeholder group comprising representatives from the energy industry, governmental departments and Non-Governmental Organisations. The Political Steering Group for the Energy Policy comprises Senator Ozouf, Senator Cohen and Deputy de Faye.
3. To inform the policy development, specialist reports were commissioned. These comprised studies on the potential for the local production of renewable energy, the potential for increased energy efficiency, a study on the importation of hydrocarbons by pipelines and an investigation into options for the Channel Islands Utility Market.
4. The Proposed Energy Hierarchy in order of priority :
1. Use less energy
2. Use low carbon fuels
3. Use less imported energy
4. Reduce other impacts
5. Off-set residual unavoidable carbon emissions
gov.je