Home wind turbines 'could be part of energy plan'

Domestic wind turbines could form part of Guernsey's renewable energy future, a local green energy firm has said.

The Little Green Energy Company (LGEC) said the turbines could be part of the island's "renewable ecosystem" alongside solar panels and offshore wind farms.

Guernsey Electricity Limited (GEL), which runs the island's electricity distribution network, said renewable technology was the "right step" for the island to take.

However, it warned domestic wind generation could impact the electricity grid's stability without proper planning.

One domestic wind turbine has already been installed in Guernsey generating 500W, which was enough to power several small appliances for its owner, LGEC said.

Jamie Clark, operations director, said according to the manufacturer the turbines could save homeowners £600 a year.

He said energy generated by the 1.8m (5.9ft) high domestic turbines could be stored in a battery to use later or sold to the island's electricity grid.

Mr Clark said he thought the turbines looked "great when they're up on roofs", but appreciated some people would find them unattractive.

The firm said the systems needed planning permission.

A spokesman for States-owned electricity company GEL said it supported "the installation of behind-the-meter renewables" as it was part of targets set out in the island's electricity strategy.

"However, we need to be mindful of the impact this can have on the stability of the electricity grid when replicated at scale," he said.

The spokesman said the island needed make sure it could "still provide a secure supply to customers when the sun is not shining and wind is not blowing".

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