On Wednesday 10 September Jersey Electricity (JE) will host a consultation at St Martin’s Public Hall, offering parishioners and other interested parties the opportunity to view plans for a 5.2 MWp generation solar farm covering approximately 45 vergées of the 90 vergées site.
The ambition for the site, known as Belle Fontaine, 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.
Receiver General Alan Blair said, “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.”
JE’s CEO Chris Ambler said, “As the nature of energy and farming evolves, the site at Belle Fontaine offers a unique opportunity to enhance Jersey’s energy sovereignty while exploring and innovating in local food production. This project is a real collaboration, and we’re delighted to partner with Government House to bring this innovative project — which could potentially have a transformative and positive impact on our local farming industry — to life. We’re hoping this solar project could position Jersey as a global leader in agrivoltaics and innovative farming practices and a sustainable economy. With Jersey’s first solar farm already generating electricity to the grid for the benefit of all Islanders and two under construction, we are taking positive steps towards our ambition to generate 25MW of locally generated solar power by the end of 2027, which is around one third of the Island’s summer peak demand.”
Jersey Electricity has carried out more than 20 studies at the site to ensure JE’s strict solar farm evaluation processes bring benefits to the land and Island’s energy supply, whilst at the same time be sensitive to the local environment and neighbouring community.
About JE’s ground-mount solar sites
Ground-mount solar sites export electricity back to the grid allowing the whole community to share in the benefits of locally-generated renewable energy, diversifying the Island’s energy mix, promoting the local economy and increasing Jersey’s energy security.
The Island’s first ground-mount solar site is now powering 14% of homes in St Clement with two further solar farms currently under construction in St Mary and St John.
JE is a key partner in delivering the Government of Jersey’s Carbon Neutral Roadmap and the proposed solar development supports the government’s Island Plan and Energy Policy.
The consultation will be open from 10.30am until 7pm on Wednesday 10 September at St Martin’s Public Hall.
