Jersey Electricity has decided not to progress its plans for a solar farm at Belle Fontaine in St Martin.
The utility company had previously stated that the ground-mounted development at the site, which is on Crown land, would generate enough electricity to power over 40% of the parish’s homes.
A consultation, which was opened towards the end of last year, invited parishioners and other interested parties to view the plans, which would have involved “a range of solar technologies including fixed tilt solar panels, tracker solar panels and vertical panels” integrated with agricultural activities.
Further research has also been carried out into the site’s land characteristics and agrivoltaic compatibility, alongside consideration of feedback from stakeholders.
JE has taken the decision not to progress a solar development at the Belle Fontaine site in St Martin
Jersey Electricity statement
In an update today, JE stated that, following this additional work – and “in consultation with the Crown” – it had decided not to progress a solar development at the site.
The statement continued: “Jersey Electricity continues to review the suitability of potential ground-mounted solar sites as part of a wider approach to expanding renewable generation on the Island.
“This includes ensuring long-term compatibility between energy generation, agrivoltaic activity and the environment, as well as focusing on the solar installations already generating electricity and in development.”
The company added: “Ground-mounted solar remains a cost-effective way to diversify Jersey’s electricity supply, strengthen the Island’s energy resilience and support environmental objectives.
“Jersey Electricity remains fully committed to supporting the Island’s transition to cleaner, sustainable energy through the Solar 5000 initiative, including the continued development of rooftop solar and the identification of locations where renewable generation and agricultural activity can successfully coexist.”