Belle Fontaine solar farm in numbers
Total land area
Generation of low-carbon electricity
Total no. of solar panels
About the site
The ambition for the site is to become a European centre of excellence, research and education combining the latest agrivoltaics (the dual use of land for energy generation and farming) solar technologies and innovations. A range of solar technologies including fixed tilt solar panels, tracker solar panels and vertical panels will all be used across the site to support a variety of agricultural activities from growing crops to livestock grazing.
The Crown and JE have been collaborating with Harper Adams, the UK’s leading university for food production and agriculture technology, with discussions progressing on how the site could become a leading example of agrivoltaics practices, sustainable food production as well as boosting Jersey’s ecotourism credentials.
“Part of this land has been in the Crown Estate ownership for many centuries as it was part of the original ancient domain. Government House is supportive of the Island’s agricultural community and at Belle Fontaine we are seeking innovation in agriculture alongside renewable energy generation. What we aim to achieve here aligns with His Majesty King Charles’ long-held views on sustainable farming and energy. We believe this site has the potential to drive innovation in Jersey’s agricultural sector and deliver tangible benefits to the Island.”
Receiver General Alan Blair
Project status
A Planning submission for the Belle Fontaine ground-mounted solar farm is currently under development.
On Wednesday 10 September, we held a public consultation at St Martin’s Public Hall for anyone wishing to find out more about the project.
Thank you to everyone who attended. We enjoyed meeting you all and hearing your thoughts.
Location
Our Belle Fontaine solar farm will be located in the Parish of St Martin, Jersey.
The site has been carefully selected and designed to sympathetically blend with its setting in the landscape.
· The site is home to an active farm that will continue operating.
· Location is well screened by existing dense hedgerows, minimising external views.
· Located on Crown Land to the north of Queens Valley Reservoir.
Agriculture
At Belle Fontaine, we plan to set up a diverse variety of agricultural practices, from crops to livestock grazing, with different solar technologies to support each practice.
The site also offers opportunities for research, education, and agricultural innovation.
Potential agricultural activities on Belle Fontaine include:
• Fruit trees
• Vine crops
• Livestock management
• Beehives and flowers
• Crops such as Leafy greens
• Brassicas
• Root vegetables
• Herbs
The site will be used for agriculture as well as energy generation for the 40-year life of the project. This is known as agrivoltaics.
Solar technologies
We are working to optimise agricultural opportunities at the Belle Fontaine solar farm by using different solar technologies across the site.
This will be one of the first solar farms in the world to have all of these solar technologies in one place.
Conventional fixed-tilt arrays stay fixed in a south-facing...
Conventional fixed-tilt arrays stay fixed in a south-facing position. Ideal for: · Grazing · Leafy greens · Brassicas · Alliums · Herbs
These systems follow the sun’s path from east to west across...
These systems follow the sun’s path from east to west across the day. Ideal for: · Root vegetables i.e. potatoes · Cereals · Leafy greens · Brassicas · Alliums · Herbs
Also follow the sun’s path from east to west across the day,...
Also follow the sun’s path from east to west across the day, but raised higher to allow for more diverse farming practices underneath. Ideal for: · Fruit trees · Soft fruits · Vines · Grazing · Tomatoes
Vertical solar panels that generate energy on both sides. Positioned...
Vertical solar panels that generate energy on both sides. Positioned facing east-west meaning energy generation peaks first and last thing in the day. Ideal for: · Cereal · Flowers · Grazing · Asparagus
Biodiversity
JE’s solar projects will see improvements in soil quality, carbon sequestration, and species diversity.
Full ecological assessments are completed, which can include:
• Biodiversity Net Gain Reports
• Tree Surveys
• Soil Quality Assessments
• Bat Surveys
• Schedules of Biodiversity & Landscaping
• Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans
All sites receive native hedge reinforcement, infilling, and gapping as a minimum.
Project benefits
Potential to power the equivalent of over 800 all-electric Jersey homes
Improvements in soil quality and carbon sequestration
The site will emit zero emissions and is constructed from recyclable materials
Significant biodiversity improvements
Renewable energy production and diversification of Jersey's energy
