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A large-scale ‘solar farm’ that could power over half of the homes in St Mary could be installed in the Parish – if plans by Jersey Electricity get the go-ahead.
The utility company is looking to set up the electricity-generating panels on fields north of La Rue d’Olive.
The solar farm is estimated to generate 3,080 MWh per annum – equivalent to the power consumption of 410 fully electric houses or around 54% of the homes in St Mary.
Jersey Electricity has previously focused on roof-based solar energy with four installations at the Power Station, Queen’s Road Solar Hub, Jersey Dairy and Woodside Farm.
However, they are looking to install several ground-mounted solar farms, with plans for the first ground-mount solar installation in St. Clement approved earlier this year. Jersey Electric is set to prepare the site before construction begins in Spring 2024.
They have also partnered with local Jersey charity Jersey Trees for Life to plant more than 700m of new and infill hedgerow and tree planting, which is due to start soon.
This aims to increase the amount of on-island renewable electricity energy generation, in line with the government’s plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve supply chain resilience.
The supporting statement to the applications says: “The installation seeks to deliver the infrastructure so that the island can achieve energy sovereignty and access through an on-island low-carbon energy supply. This site at St Mary is part of the strategy for achieving JE’s ambition to deliver 5% of power production over the next 3 years by ground-mounted solar.”
Pictured: Jersey Electricity said no land should be taken out of agricultural use as ground-based solar can be combined with other farming.
While the fields were previously used for growing potatoes, Jersey Electricity promises the land will continue to be used for farming purposes such as grazing by livestock or growing crops under the panels.
The transition from high-intensity farming like ploughing to low-intensity farming methods like grazing will improve soil quality and allow it to absorb carbon and act as a carbon store.
This will allow more diverse wildflower meadows and native grasses to grow, creating important habitats for pollinators, insects, birds and small mammals.
The supporting statement to the application emphasises the discreet integration of solar arrays and infrastructure under three meters in height.
It reads: "The site at Rue d’Olive, although close to private property is discreetly located and significantly well screened from both local roads and property and more distant views. It is considered to provide more socio-economic benefits to the broader community than it causes harm to the immediate or broader community."
Jersey Electricity explained that, when sites are identified for potential ground-based solar installations, the teams collaborate with local ecologists and agriculturists to ensure the fields can be maintained for agricultural use and be certain that the installation will enhance existing habitats.
They are also temporary structures that, unlike other developments, allow fields to be completely returned to their current state at the end of the solar array’s life.
Jersey Electricity engaged with residents of St Mary as well as the Jersey Farmers Union, The Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society and the Jersey Milk Marketing Board to gain feedback on the project.
After consulting with parishioners, JE made several changes to the planning application for the ground-mount solar installation which centred around minimising views and optimising the layout of the site.
This included increased screening and planting of hedgerows and trees and screening around the site perimeter to minimise views from neighbouring properties.
Pictured: Chris Ambler, CEO of Jersey Electricity.
JE CEO Chris Ambler said: “In fact, ground-mounted solar PV is one of the most nature-friendly ways of generating power for the grid, having no noise and a lower visual and environmental impact than other forms of renewable energy generation.”
“It enables not just continued agricultural use but also helps wildlife and biodiversity."
The application – which has been graded 'Major' – will be decided on next year.
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