Solar farm plans shelved after consultation

38 minutes ago

Lisa YoungChannel Islands

PA Media Nine ground-mounted solar panels in a field with tress behind them.

Proposals for a solar farm have been shelved after a public consultation.

Jersey Electricity said the plans for the farm at the Belle Fontaine site in St Martin would not be progressed following feedback from the public and discussions with the Crown which owns the land.

The firm said it continued to review the suitability of potential solar sites in efforts to increase the use of renewable energy on the island.

It said it remained “fully committed” to the transition to cleaner energy and the identification of sites where renewable generation and agricultural activity can coexist.

A green field surrounded by green trees. The sky is pale blue and hazy. The roofs and chimneys of homes are visible in the distance.

Jersey Electricity had previously said the 5.2-megawatt project would cover about 20 acres (eight hectares) of Crown land, with panels designed to operate alongside crops and livestock in an agrivoltaic system, which sees the dual use of land.

Residents had subsequently raised concerns that the proposed solar field could alter the tranquil and rural character of the parish, and disrupt wildlife.

Announcing that it had pulled the plug on the plans, Jersey Electricity said it would continue to hold public consultations at early stages on other proposed ground-mounted solar developments.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “Ground-mounted solar remains a cost-effective way to diversify Jersey’s electricity supply, strengthen the island’s energy resilience and support environmental objectives.”