Deputy resigns over tidal plans

Alderney has been considering tidal power plans for five years

One of Alderney's politicians has resigned after the States voted to go-ahead with tide generated electricity.

At a meeting on Monday night States deputies agreed to speed up the introduction of 500 tidal turbines.

Supporters of the scheme claim it will mean cheaper electricity for islanders and help Alderney to become a "world leader" in renewable energy.

But Frank Dean resigned after the meeting, saying he felt the island was being rushed into the agreement.

For a project of this magnitude the lack of information offers no credit Frank Walker, former Alderney States deputy

Three other deputies abstained from voting.

In a letter of resignation Mr Dean said: "For a project of such magnitude the lack of information and flow of ever changing information at this late date offers no credit."

Jersey, Guernsey and Sark are all working on tidal energy plans of their own.

The licence to produce wave power has been awarded to Alderney Renewable Energy.

A slot has become available on the French electricity grid which would let Alderney sell power generated on the island back to the continent.

'Accessible resource'

Monday night's meeting was prompted because the French authorities need an answer by the end of the week.

Alderney has been investigating the possibility of harnessing its strong tidal flows for electricity since 2003 when a contract was signed with Alderney Renewable Energy to develop a scheme.

The island has one of the best and most accessible tidal power resources in Europe, a report from the UK's then-Department of Trade and Industry said.

Jersey, Guernsey and Sark are all working on tidal energy plans of their own and could also compete for the French market.