Guernsey greenhouse gas levels rise slightly

The level of greenhouse gas produced in Guernsey rose slightly in 2011, according to figures released by the States.

Emissions increased by 0.5% to 392.2kt of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent, compared to 390.3kt in 2010.

The level of gas is measured as part of the island's obligation under the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to cut the level of emissions produced around the world.

The biggest source of greenhouse gas was from transport.

It was 25.8% of the 2011 total, however, the actual amount of gas produced has fallen steadily since 2000.

Cable link

Commercial and domestic combustion or burning was the next biggest contributing factor at 21% followed by power generation at 17.4% and industrial combustion at 17.3%.

The majority of the emissions, 82%, was carbon dioxide.

The report found the amount of gas produced by generating electricity had dropped by 75% since the cable link with France, via Jersey, allowed energy imports from 2001.

Alan Bates, managing director of Guernsey Electricity, said with the cable link being unavailable for much of 2012 the amount of emissions would rise when last year's figures are produced.

He said: "One of the consequences of the electricity cable was we had to generate all the island's electricity... so we are going to see a corresponding increase in carbon emissions."

Mr Bates said the situation should change in 2014 once a new cable between Jersey and France is installed.