A PROJECT to explore the possibility of building a wind farm in Jersey’s territorial waters is to get under way after being overwhelmingly backed by States Members yesterday.
More detailed work will now be carried out following the decision – by 40 votes to one – to authorise the Council of Ministers to move ahead with the scheme.
Environment Minister Steve Luce said the proposition did not commit the Island to building a wind farm, to any excessive expenditure, or bind Jersey into a relationship with third parties.
It was possible, he added, that after detailed studies had taken place a decision could be reached that the concept did not work for Jersey.
However, the minister said that at this stage there were “very strong and compelling reasons for us to look seriously at this opportunity, which could give us an important long-term strategic edge in a volatile energy landscape.”
Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache was one of several Members to highlight energy security, and whether a Jersey wind farm would achieve this if the power it generated was then landed in France.
“If that’s the case, what’s the point?” he asked, expressing fear that the Island would be subject to pressure from “huge commercial interests” and “left to clear up the mess by decommissioning engineering detritus”.
This question was “close to being a make or break issue”, he added.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf, who lodged the proposition last October in his former role of Environment Minister, said he remained strongly in favour, and highlighted the missed opportunity that would arise if Jersey did not proceed with a scheme.
With winds blowing in from the Atlantic and relatively shallow water, Jersey had “ideal advantages” to move ahead with such a project, he added.
“The wind farm would symbolise Jersey’s commitment to a sustainable future for Islanders, sustainable economically and environmentally,” he said.
“This project has been on the runway for a while now, let’s at least see if it can fly,” he concluded.
Many jurisdictions, including Jersey, had made legally-binding commitments to meet targets relating to net zero, said Deputy Hilary Jeune, and the government needed to build trust that it could oversee the project.
Deputy Louise Doublet spoke on behalf of young Islanders, saying that Jersey had committed to upholding children’s rights, including the right to a healthy environment.
“Our actions will determine what the future [for children] will look like,” she said.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said he was sad that some of the opposition to a wind farm came from those who remained in denial about the impact of climate change – such people were “denying a future for our Island”, he said.
Jersey needed to recognise the challenges that lay ahead in raising revenue and persuading young Islanders not to move away in order to meet the challenges of providing healthcare for an ageing population, he added, calling for the Island to be bold, rather than timid.
Constable Mike Jackson, meanwhile, said the project would need to benefit Islanders in the form of being charged a consistently lower price for electricity.
“We have to support [this proposition] in order to understand the answers to the questions we are all asking,” he said.
Housing Minister Sam Mézec confirmed the proposition had the backing of the Reform Jersey party, which he leads, although he was disappointed that more details had not been provided on some areas such as the electricity being sent directly to Jersey.
Deputy Luce acknowledged his ministerial colleague’s observation, but said there was a conundrum regarding how many decisions should be taken before seeking the support of Members.
The Environment Minister pledged to continue working with partners and stakeholders, “especially our French neighbours and cousins”, and said he had also held talks relating to the wind farm project with the Swiss and Dutch ambassadors.
Summing up before the vote was taken, Deputy Luce hailed a good debate. “We have listened and intend to take this forward in the interests of all Islanders – those in favour, and those against,” he said.
Jersey-based offshore wind expert Mark Leybourne, of Dyna Energy, congratulated the Assembly on “an engaging debate”, which led to an “overwhelming” decision to give in-principle support for offshore wind.
Mr Leybourne has previously referred to the creation of a wind farm in Jersey’s territorial waters as an “opportunity for the creation of quality jobs, fiscal revenues, and our decarbonised energy security”.
Commenting on yesterday’s debate, he added: “This is a positive signal to investors as it provides confidence in the Assembly’s commitment to investigate offshore wind further. States Members rightly raised key questions on maximising the benefits to the Island and mitigating the main risks, including environmental impacts.”
He added: “These issues will help shape the government’s policies and regulatory framework which will now be developed.”
