Why does Sark need a new
power system?
What’s wrong with the current system?
Sark’s electricity generation and distribution system is privately-owned by Sark Electricity Limited (SEL). Generation is from a power station equipped with four diesel engines which are at the end of their serviceable life (one has been replaced with a second hand engine). The transformers - the green boxes around the island which step power down from 6,600 volts to 400/230 volt supply - have an average age of 38 and some are 70 years old.
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Sark Chief Pleas have commissioned a number of independent electrical engineers to assess the system.
The system has been deemed obsolete and in need of complete replacement. Parts of the distribution network are in a poor or even dangerous condition and the engineers have all said that, excluding some areas of cabling which could possibly be re-used, it is in need of complete replacement.
Two groups of houses in the north of the island have been cut off from the electricity grid for several years and are being supplied by temporary generators installed and maintained by the Island.
Some of the equipment is likely to contain PCBs, which represents a serious health hazard if leakages occur.
In September 2023, during the Build a Boat Race event, an island resident received a serious electric shock from the metal frame of a refrigeration trailer that was not connected to any power supply. The trailer had become electrified from the cable running underground below it due an earthing fault in the SEL cables and the SEL safety protection system failing. Thankfully, he has mostly recovered.
Sark has no interconnector so we are reliant on this system and exposed to risks of electric shock, power cuts and volatile diesel prices.
Something needs to be done. Whilst it is a daunting task, this is an opportunity for the people of Sark to establish an island-owned system that is safe, reliable and fit for the future.
Safety reports carried out by independent electrical engineers.
Grid Condition & Safety report - EIS 2021
Here's a summary:
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Sark’s electricity network is not fit for purpose, in need of many immediate upgrades and replacements and inherently contains serious safety concerns and liabilities.
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The majority of Sark’s high voltage network equipment should be treated as being at the end of its life and be considered for immediate replacement.
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Some of the equipment may contain PCBs, which represents a serious health hazard if leakages occur.
Report on options for upgrading or replacing Sark’s power system - Energy People 2022
Here's a summary:
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Energypeople agreed with the findings of the EIS report that Sark’s power system is not fit for purpose and inherently contains serious safety concerns and liabilities.
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Energypeople acknowledged that Sark’s system is currently delivering electricity in Sark, and will probably continue to do so for a period of months and possibly longer, but at a level or risk that would be unacceptable elsewhere.
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The study looked at what is needed to enable Sark’s electricity supplies to be provided in a safe, continuous, reliable manner, complying with internationally accepted standards.
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Upgrading the current system would not be cheaper than replacing it and would prolong safety risks.
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A replacement diesel only system would be cheaper to build but would result in more expensive electricity than a renewables-based system.
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An 11kV distribution system with generation from wind, solar with storage and diesel back-up would deliver the lowest cost electricity.
Harbour Incident report - Guernsey Electricity Ltd 2024
Here's a summary:
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In September 2023, during the Build a Boat Race event, an island resident received a serious electric shock from the metal frame of a refrigeration trailer. He was found unconscious and taken to hospital. Thankfully he has mostly recovered.
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The Build a Boat Race organising committee and SEL commissioned Guernsey Electricity Limited (GEL) to conduct a technical investigation into the incident. The investigation found the trailer had become electrified due to a 'live earth' fault in the SEL distribution system. The SEL network safety protection system failed to detect the fault and trigger a circuit breaker, which it should have done.
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The incident was a result of a combination of SEL cabling being in poor condition, insufficient earthing and the safety protection system failing.
Timeline of Sark's energy transition.
2016
​Chief Pleas passes Sark Control of Electricity Prices Law to enable
price regulation to be bought in. At the time, SEL’s electricity prices
were £85p/kWh.
2019
​First Electricity Price Control order passed by the Sark Electricity Price
Commissioner establishing a regulated price of 53p/kWh.
JUN
2021
Due to concerns over the state of the electricity system, Chief Pleas
establishes civil contingencies powers to take over the network to
maintain power supply in the event SEL cuts the power supply or
other catastrophic failure.
OCT
2021
Publication of repot by EIS consultants (commissioned by Chief Pleas), which raised significant concerns about the state and safety of Sark’s electricity network.
MAY
2022
Publication of report by engineering consultants ‘Energypeople’ (commissioned by Sark Electricity Price Commissioner). The report looked at options for upgrading or replacing the system. It advised that the best value could be achieved by replacing the distribution network and installing a new renewables-based generation system. The report highlighted concerns over the condition and safety of the existing system.
SEP
2022
Chief Pleas approves proposition to progress work on a new island owned power system, including appointing CfR CIC to launch a tender for an experienced contractor to design and build the system.
NOV
2022
An island survey in 2022 showed strong support for a renewables-based island owned power system.
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First Island Hall meeting.
OCT
2022 -SEP 2023
3 stage tender process to select an experienced design and build contractor. Infinite Renewables and Sancus recommended as the preferred bidders.
JAN
2024
Second Island Hall meeting.
Chief Pleas approves proposition to progress the design phase works, with an investment of £175,000. This investment should be repaid to Chief Pleas if the replacement system goes ahead.
APR - SEP 2024
Design phase works including:
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Produce a detailed design and costing for a renewables-based system and an alternative / transitional diesel only system.
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Produce a detailed design and costing for a replacement distribution system, including cable routing and assessing potential cost savings if some of the existing distribution network can be salvaged.
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Plan for key risks including transport and access of equipment, construction logistics and ground conditions.
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Identify sub-contractors, including island contractors.
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Provide the information needed for a planning application.
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Inform the business case and financing strategy for the replacement system and further discussions with funders.
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Progress set up of Sark Power.
There will be an Island Hall meeting during and at the end of the design phase. Sark contractors and people with relevant experience will have the opportunity to meet the selected lead contractors Infinite Renewables and Sancus.
2024
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Autumn - Decision on how to proceed.
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Winter - Finance raising and equipment procurement.
2025
Construction of new power system, if it goes ahead, is likely to take around 12 months.