Act now or miss international energy targets

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Jersey needs to take massive steps to reduce its carbon footprint, or it will fall way behind international standards.

That’s the warning from the Island's Environment Minister, who has set out his energy plan called “Pathway 50”. It outlines ways Jersey can reduce emissions over the next four decades, while ensuring what's described as a secure, affordable and sustainable energy supply for the future. Jersey has already reduced carbon emissions by 28% in the last 20 years, mainly because the JEC started importing French nuclear-generated electricity.

The Island needs to slash emissions by 80% compared to 1990 levels by 2050 if it is to meet the Kyoto Protocol - the international climate agreement, which both the UK and EU have committed to.

Environment Minister Deputy Rob Duhamel says: “Modelling has shown that if Jersey does not make changes to its existing patterns of energy use, demand will continue to grow and it will miss the emissions reduction target.”

He wants the Island to implement energy efficiency measures, change working practices and choose less energy-hungry products, and says he’s presenting, “...a rounded energy future that sets the direction of travel we must take if we are to be a sustainable jurisdiction underpinned with affordable and secure energy.” For example, proposals include:

• making properties built before 1997 more energy efficient.
• introducing a “low-carbon” standard for new homes through building bye-laws.
• more ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVS) on the Island’s roads.
• considering offshore renewable energy generation.
• more properties with solar panels so that more of the Island’s energy demand is met by micro generation.
• using heat generated by the incinerator.
• using biofuels.

And Deputy Duhamel says everyone has a role to play in reducing the Island's energy usage: “Government cannot make this journey alone, industry and individuals must join us wholeheartedly if we are to succeed in our goals.”