THE government will seek support from States Members to lease Jersey’s seabed, “potentially” by the end of next year, which could pave the way for a wind farm in the Island’s territorial waters.
Leasing the Island’s seabed for the development and operation of a wind farm was previously described by Jersey Electricity as the “lowest risk opportunity” for such a project.
Environment Minister Steve Luce recently provided an update on the Council of Ministers’ offshore-wind plans in a progress report on the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.
In April, the States Assembly approved a proposition to further investigate the opportunity to develop a wind farm, of up to one-gigawatt in generating capacity, in the south-west of Jersey’s territorial waters.
The decision followed a public consultation, which ran from November 2023 to February 2024.
“The next step will be to bring forward draft consenting legislation for a wind farm.
Ministers are committed to the overriding principle of environmental protection, alongside any decision that might be taken to pursue offshore wind,” Deputy Luce said in the update.
The proposition, which the States Assembly approved by 40 votes to one, also explained that leasing of seabed rights would be the first commercial stage of the project.
Deputy Luce continued: “The Council of Ministers has committed to returning to the States Assembly to set out their objectives for the project, and seek support to open a commercial leasing round, potentially before the end of 2025.
“This will be the point at which it is decided if, and how, Jersey might proceed with the development of an offshore wind farm.”
JE’s chief executive, Chris Ambler, said: “Jersey Electricity continues to support the Island’s government as it progresses its investigations into developing a wind farm off Jersey’s south-west coast.”
He added: “JE also welcomes the prospect of a wind farm being included within the Carbon Neutral Roadmap and upcoming progress in preparing draft consenting legislation – these two steps reflect the significant potential opportunity offshore wind offers to the Island’s long-term energy security and commitment to net-zero.”
The electricity utility firm previously described leasing the seabed as the “lowest risk opportunity”.
At the time, Mr Ambler said given the potential two- to three-billion pound price tag, it would be “unrealistic” for local stakeholders to make a “meaningful investment” in terms of taking an ownership interest in the scheme.
A dedicated Scrutiny panel has been established to scrutinise the “significant” proposals.
