A PIVOTAL States Assembly debate on whether to build a wind farm in Jersey’s waters has been pushed back following the extension of a consultation period.
A date is still to be set for the rescheduled debate, which was due to take place on 19 March.
Environment Minister Steve Luce, who has held this ministerial portfolio before, said he “fully support[s] the ongoing wind farm consultation” – but has remained tight-lipped on whether he approved of the broad proposal itself.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf, his predecessor, put forward proposals for the project – which would require at least £1 billion of private investment, with no direct subsidy by taxpayers – last October.
Following 14 weeks of public consultation and assessment, States Members were due to be asked next month whether they agreed that Jersey should “pursue the opportunities arising from the development of an offshore wind farm in the southwest of its territorial waters”.
However, a recent re-shuffle of the Council of Ministers following a no-confidence vote in the previous Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, meant that some engagement events were postponed – and Deputy Luce announced that the consultation would be extended by two weeks until this Thursday.
The government confirmed yesterday that this resulted in a knock-on delay to the debate – and the JEP understands that a new date is in the process of being finalised.
In a statement about the consultation extension, Deputy Luce said: “As Environment Minister, I fully support the ongoing wind farm consultation and recognise the importance of allowing ample time for Islanders to participate.
“It is essential to hear the diverse perspectives of our community, and I am eager to gather and listen to their views. The feedback collected will be instrumental in informing States Members ahead of the upcoming debate in the spring.
“The outcome of this debate will play a significant role in determining the project’s progression to the next stage and whether adjustments are warranted based on the aspirations of our community.”
According to Deputy Renouf’s proposals, Jersey’s wind farm would generate around twice the Island’s power requirement if all the energy needs of our current economy – including transport and home heating – were run on electricity.
The proposition also requests that ministers bring forward policy and legislation before the end of 2024 to set in place a process to lease, provide consent for, regulate and safely decommission a wind farm.
