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Work to install a second medium-speed diesel engine at the Power Station will begin next week.
The engine, which is called 3D, will sit alongside 2D, which was installed in D station in 2012. Energy company Wartsila will once again be responsible for the installation and commissioning of the 16.8 Megawatt engine, which weighs 376 tons.
‘This is another significant step forward in Guernsey Electricity’s long-term investment plans as we have a commitment to the local community to provide them with security of supply. The capacity and reliability of our cable links to France are being strengthened with the installation of Normandie 1, and our aim is that 2D and 3D will therefore provide us with an effective back-up which can be operational far quicker whilst also being quieter, more efficient and producing fewer emissions compared to the older engines which we are slowly replacing,’ said chief executive Alan Bates.
‘Wartsila has a proven track record and experience of working in Guernsey. The problems our neighbours experienced following the installation of 2D are well documented but by working closely with Environmental Health, we have taken a number of additional precautions.’
When 2D was delivered in September 2012, it was the biggest item ever offloaded onto Guernsey.
‘We are awaiting a confirmed delivery date but it is likely to be early October and we will follow the same approach and using the same main contractors as we did four years ago. Dutch company Mammoet will once again bring the engine to Guernsey and offload 3D at St Sampson’s Harbour before it is transported to the Power Station,’ said Mr Bates.
‘In the meantime, Wartsila are due on site next week to start the civil engineering works. When 2D was commissioned we built an engine bed, the concrete base which the engine sits on, large enough to hold two new medium-speed engines and so the amount of preparatory required this time is reduced.’
Mr Bates said the timing of Wartsila arriving on site was perfect.
On Monday, we’re delighted that His Excellency and Lady Corder are coming to the Power Station to learn more about Guernsey Electricity and our long-term plans. They’ll be able to see those preparatory works get underway and hopefully they can come back in the not too distant future and see 3D in situ and in operation.’
The project is estimated to cost in the region of £15m.and is being financed through existing operations. Guernsey Electricity hopes 3D will be operational in early 2017.
