Jersey’s newest renewable energy project is being kept in check by a team of woolly workers – a flock of more than 100 sheep tasked with keeping the grass neat at the island’s first solar farm.
The site, which is spread across two agricultural fields, off Rue du Moulin à Vent in St Clement, was officially switched on yesterday – just over two years after the site was narrowly approved for development.
Developed by Jersey Electricity, the scheme is now generating more than 4 MWp of solar power – enough to power the equivalent of 14% of homes in St Clement over the next four decades.
Outdoing expectations
The completion of the 12-acre project, which enlisted the support of over 30 local firms, heralds a the start of new era for dual land use in the island and forms what Jersey Electricity’s chief executive Chris Ambler called “an important step forward for Jersey”.
He explained that figures from testing and commissioning phases of the site show that the solar farm generated 482 MWh of electricity in March, 30% more than the firm’s original forecast and that the firms solar projects are “consistently performing well”.
“It is in its truest sense a community-based scheme; owned by the island, through its interest in JE, providing power for the island,” Mr Ambler said.
While the fields were traditionally used for growing potatoes, they have now become home to over 100 grazing sheep from Panigot Farm, who will enjoy shade and shelter provided by the panels, while grazing on the land to keep the grass short.
A flocking fantastic collaboration
Owned by solar shephard Jeremy Hughes, who approached the utility company after hearing their initial plans, he said it was great to see his sheep finally in the fields, and hopes his lambing trade can expand as a result.
“It’s brilliant to see my sheep in these fields today, enjoying the land and panels’ shelter.
“With access to this land, I hope Panigot Farm will be able to expand and our lamb become a produce that is available to all Jersey people and on more local restaurant menus.”
It comes as Jersey Electricity aim to create 25 MWp of solar-generated power over the next two years across six sites, which aim to power a third of Jersey’s summer peak demand, while taking up 0.6% of the island’s agricultural land.
More in the works
So far, development of another solar farm continues at Sorel Point and JE has plans for a similar project across eight St Mary fields, though the firm withdrew its application last month following Cabinet Office questions, and intends to resubmit in due course.
Mr Ambler explained that the project aligns with several government policies including the Island Plan, the Carbon Neutral Roadmap and Rural Economy Strategy, has boosted the local construction industry, and will contribute to the reduction of electricity prices.
“Larger projects, such as this, will help to keep electricity costs, and therefore prices, lower and more stable over the forty years the site generates power,” Mr Ambler said.
He added that the land will also now be able to regenerate and reap the benefits of boosted biodiversity.
“We want to see Jersey emerge as a leader in the agrivoltaics space, providing a chance for our farming industry to diversify and build on the important traditional crops for which the island is renowned,” Mr Ambler said.
Under the conditions of the scheme, all equipment will be automatically removed at the end of the planning period and the site will be restored to bare earth.
“Critical to the island’s energy mix”
Environment Minister, Deputy Steve Luce, who was at today’s switch-on, congratulated Jersey Electricity for furthering the island’s renewable energy capabilities.
“Low carbon energy will be critical to the island’s energy mix in the future,” he said.
“I congratulate Jersey Electricity and its partners on developing this scheme which, as well as providing the island with renewable energy, also helps contribute to our energy security.”
St Clement’s School pupils are set to visit the site this week to learn more about how the electricity generated powers their homes and schools.