THE States must approve renewable energy commission legislation at this month’s meeting, say environmentalists.

Campaigner Richard Lord said tidal power technology was advancing at such speed that the island must quickly establish the correct system to manage offers from companies that want to use Guernsey waters.

‘It is critical, absolutely critical, that we are ready and this is a very positive direction,’ he said.

‘Oil will run out this century and prices will soar before that. We must start developing renewable energy locally.’

A Commerce and Employment report proposes the drafting of legislation that will allow the States to arrange the licensing of the operation and deployment of renewable energy systems.

Mr Lord (pictured) said that if the commission was not established, Guernsey could end up missing out – or worse.

‘You don’t want to back the wrong horse. There are many companies with many rival technologies and we need a proper system in place here to make sure we select the appropriate set-up.’