“The committee was really open at the very beginning to say we want to engage with the whole energy industry, even though its the electricity strategy. And I think that’s very important, because it’s the energy transition we’re talking about here, not the electricity transition.
“So, [the committee] formed the energy partnership, and we’ve been integral to [that].”
Pictured: Mr Bates recently gave the media a tour around the power station, to highlight the need for investment.
When asked why there has been so much support for a second interconnector – this time directly to France as per the strategy’s preferred pathway – Mr Bates said GEL and other stakeholders have historically supported one because it will facilitate a future powered by renewables.
“I think one of the things we’re seeing from the European energy market is their understanding that renewable generation is very intermittent,” said Mr Bates.
“Last year was very, very low on wind resource for Northern Europe.”
To account for this, Mr Bates said jurisdictions need to either develop their own thermal powers plants or increase connectivity between countries.
“And what we’re seeing at the moment is lots of activity around interconnection. And for us, as well, what’s key to covering off potentially a very intimate and renewable future is interconnection.
“So, if it‘s not windy or sunny here, it might be windy or sunny somewhere else.”
Mr Bates took the opportunity to stress how much the island would save if it were to choose the renewable pathway preferred by E&I.
“What we’re very keen to get across is that actually, [to] do nothing – as in keep just one power station, and keep on cable, and keep investing – it’s more expensive, it’s about £1.9 billion.”
The difference between the do nothing approach and E&I’s preferred pathway is about £200million.
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