A SOLAR farm that could power over half of the homes in St Mary could be installed in the parish – if plans lodged by Jersey Electricity are approved.
The utility company is hoping to set up the electricity-generating panels on fields north of Rue d’Olive, which runs towards La Mare Wine Estate.
It is estimated that the array would be capable of generating 3,080 MWh per year – equivalent to the power consumption of 410 fully electric houses, or around 54% of the homes in St Mary.
JE has previously focused on roof-based solar energy panels, with four installations having been completed at the La Collette power station, their Queen’s Road solar hub car park, at Jersey Dairy and Woodside Farm.
However, they are looking to install several ground-mounted solar farms, with plans for the first, in St Clement, having been approved earlier this year. JE is due to prepare the site before construction begins in spring 2024.
They have also partnered with the charity Jersey Trees for Life to plant new and infill hedgerows and trees, which is due to start soon.
JE’s latest solar project aims to increase the Island’s renewable electricity energy generation, in line with government plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve supply chain resilience. A supporting statement that accompanies their application says: “The installation seeks to deliver the infrastructure so that the Island can achieve energy sovereignty and access through an on-island low-carbon energy supply.
“This site at St Mary is part of the strategy for achieving JE’s ambition to deliver 5% of power production over the next three years by ground-mounted solar.”
While the fields were previously used for growing potatoes, JE promises the land will continue to be used for farming purposes such as grazing by livestock or growing crops.
The supporting statement adds: “The site at Rue d’Olive, although close to private property, is discreetly located and significantly well screened from both local roads and property and more distant views.
“It is considered to provide more socio-economic benefits to the broader community than it causes harm to the immediate or broader community.”
JE explained that, when sites were identified for potential ground-based solar installations, the teams collaborate with ecologists and agriculturists to ensure the fields can be maintained for agricultural use.
JE engaged with residents of St Mary as well as the Jersey Farmers Union, the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society and the Jersey Milk Marketing Board to gain feedback on the project.
After consulting with parishioners, JE made several changes to the planning application for the ground-mounted solar installation.
The changes included increased screening and planting of hedgerows and trees, and screening around the site perimeter to minimise views from neighbouring properties.
JE chief executive Chris Ambler said: “In fact, ground-mounted solar PV is one of the most nature-friendly ways of generating power for the grid, having no noise and a lower visual and environmental impact than other forms of renewable energy generation.
“It enables not just continued agricultural use but also helps wildlife and biodiversity.”
The application will be considered next year.
