A new electricity cable between Guernsey and France, an offshore windfarm and more solar generation... That is what deputies have agreed to investigate as a pathway for providing future power.

Environment and Infrastructure's Electricity Strategy won support in the States.

Published in June, it set out options for how the Bailiwick could keep up with increasing demand.

The chosen solution will cost around £1.8bn up to 2050, but E&I  warned the status quo supplies would would be even more expensive.  

E&I President Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez says this decision will improve energy security and resilience, and should bring down bills on the long-term.

"We are very likely to see a further increase to the price of electricity in the shorter term. However, this is where - in the longer term - the energy transition will help. Once we have got more locally-generated renewable energy, that is going to be a positive influence on the longer-term cost projections."

The vote signifies a 'direction of travel' for the island, which Deputy de Saumarez said was important for making progress.

"There is so much more detailed work that needs to be done before we can put in place a concrete plan. However, we can't do that detailed work unless we have a steer from the States in the form of a strategic direction to make sure we are heading the right way."

All the suggested pathways had a price-tag in excess of £1.5bn, though that is not direct States spending and includes building and operating, Guernsey Electricity and third party costs.

Alan Bates, Guernsey Electricity's CEO has welcomed the States support for the Strategy, saying it provides the best outcome for the island:

"This provides certainty and a clear strategic direction for Guernsey Electricity and the wider energy industry. The security and supply of our future energy are of paramount importance, along with affordability for Islanders.

The pathway agreed for decarbonising our electricity supply and achieving net zero by 2050 is promising, as it details the options for the development of on-Island renewable energy and a second interconnector to the European grid. We can also proceed with investment decisions, including the retirement of some older power station equipment and investment in other plant."