As part of the partnership, JE and Jersey Property Holdings (JPH) have used the JPH mapping facility to review the public portfolio and identify key sites where rooftop solar could potentially be built, subject to structural surveys. JE will project manage, design, install and maintain the arrays, with the renewable power being distributed through the grid for the benefit of all Islanders.
Schools represent a significant opportunity, but carparks, depot buildings and other civic premises will all be considered with detailed surveys commissioned on a shortlist that will allow the inaugural location to be kickstarted this year and a longer term programme to be agreed.
Andy Jehan, Minister for Infrastructure, said, “Reaching this agreement is a significant moment for locally-generated renewable power using public properties. Government has a responsibility to lead on sustainability and deliver value for our Island; ensuring that energy produced from our buildings benefits the community is central to that commitment.”
Chris Ambler, CEO of Jersey Electricity, said, “It’s excellent news that we have agreed terms with government to progress rooftop solar on public buildings as we have been working on this for some time. This is a major step forward in building local renewable electricity generation and shows our shared commitment to sustainability. Every site generating local renewable power helps to build our Island’s energy sovereignty with the electricity generated being socialised across all our customers via the grid.
“We often hear customers asking for more rooftop solar on public buildings, so we believe this will be welcome news for many. Rooftop solar has a significant role to play in reaching the Island’s sustainability objectives, as well as contributing to JE’s solar 5000 ambition to power 5000 homes with locally-generated solar power by 2030.”
JE has a target of delivering 11 MW of rooftop solar, as part of its wider Solar 5000 ambition, with around 4 MW already generating power for the local grid.
