1940s lighthouse to brighten up with £12k solar revamp

Sunday 14 March 2021

A solar-powered light is set to be installed at Grosnez Lighthouse as part of £12,000 project.

Work has already started on Ports of Jersey and Jersey Electricity's joint project, which also includes replacing the existing fencing, and is expected to be completed within a month.

Advances in LED and solar technology for lighthouses in recent years has presented an opportunity to provide an alternative solution for Grosnez, Ports of Jersey said.

As part of the works, Jersey Electricity Engineers will replace the mains-powered light on the building to a solar powered LED one and remove the overhead line that currently feeds the navigation light from this Site of Special Interest. It will make the colours of the light brighter, the intensity stronger and the cut off between the light sharper.  

Grosnez lighthouse, which was built in the late 1940s was last refurbished six years ago. It is administered by Ports of Jersey as part of its public service obligations and is an important aid to navigation for both commercial and local mariners. At night, the red sector also indicates the danger to navigation of the Paternosters reef.    

Pictured: The light sits on Jersey's upper corner in the West.

"Ports of Jersey is constantly looking for more efficient and reliable solutions for our lighthouses, buoys and beacons and we’re delighted to see this reflected in this forthcoming project," Project Leader and Operations and Commercial Manager for Ports' Marine Services, Donford Nicholas, said.

Jersey Electricity's Service Delivery Manager David Powell added: “This project shows how two organisations, which are committed to sustainability and willing to invest in new technologies can work in partnership for the benefit of Jersey’s environment and the community."

Public access to the headland at Grosnez will not be affected by the works.