THE proposed energy policy is based on false assumptions, according to a consultant working for Guernsey Gas. Energy Markets International said the average emission figure for all French power generation was quoted.
Director Peter Cameron (pictured) said that to meet an additional single unit of demand, the marginal cost should be considered. That was the cost of producing one extra unit in both financial and emission terms.
‘Marginal electricity supply to the Channel Islands comes from combustible fuels – coal, oil, and gas – and from imports into France, which are also predominantly from combustible fuels,’ he said. Nuclear and hydropower were base load suppliers in France and not marginal, he said, and added that the nuclear industry there was in any case running at full capacity and would not be capable of meeting additional demand in the foreseeable future.
Mr Cameron said Jersey’s States had quoted EDF’s carbon emissions for 2006 at 56g/CO2/kWh. His company had calculated the emissions factor that the Channel Islands should use for additional electricity imports from France at 546g/CO2/kWh. The emissions factor for liquefied petroleum gas imports was put at 225g/CO2/kWh.
The Policy Council’s report, which the States is due to debate this week, argues that carbon dioxide emissions are lowest with electricity imported from France and states its intention to move towards an all-electricity economy.
But Mr Cameron said that would be a mistake.
‘No other European country, including France, is backing out of gas or heating oil,’ he said.
He said thermal generation from coal, oil or gas was highly inefficient.
‘Therefore, taking the fuel and putting it directly into the home will be more efficient,’ he said.
Guernsey Gas managing director Paul Garlick said most of the energy in thermal power stations disappeared up the flues.
‘Technology is being worked on as to how these flues can be cleaned up, but it’s not there yet,’ he said.
He agreed that adopting the proposed energy policy and replacing gas and oil would actually increase carbon dioxide emissions.
He said three other independent consultants – AEA Technology, Poyry and ISIS Ventures International – were backing Mr Cameron’s view.
Adopting the policy would cost the island £300m., increase carbon emissions and reduce security of supply, he said.
‘It will not protect the island against any potential fossil fuel shortages as France and the rest of Europe are heavily dependent themselves,’ he said.
Neither would it protect the island against price rises, which was demonstrated by EDF’s charges to Guernsey Electricity, he added.
Article posted on 24th June, 2008 - 2.29pm
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