JERSEY Electricity is meeting parishioners who have objected to plans to install a large solar array in St Mary.
More than a dozen Islanders who live in the area surrounding Rue de La Hougue Mauger are protesting against proposals to turn eight “good potato fields” into a solar farm.
Jersey Electricity says the facility, which would house 10,000 ground-mounted photovoltaic panels, could generate power for almost 1,200 homes.
Residents have raised concerns that the proposal is “too big and too intrusive in the countryside”.
A public consultation was held in St Mary’s Parish Hall last year to “engage with parishioners” about the project, Jersey Electricity said.
In a statement issued following queries by the JEP, the utility company’s chief operating officer, Mark Preece, added: “Some concerns were expressed at the time and these were reflected in the subsequent planning application.
“More recently, a small group of parishioners who live near the proposed solar site have raised concerns and JE is in the process of meeting those parishioners.
“Initial meetings have already taken place and helped with amendments to the landscape scheme allaying some concerns, and further meetings are planned.
“JE would welcome any opportunities to discuss this proposal with parishioners.”
Mr Preece said: “JE is a key partner in delivering the Government of Jersey’s Carbon Neutral Roadmap and all proposed developments support the government’s Island Plan and energy policy.
“Ground-mount solar installations enable all Islanders to benefit from locally-generated renewable energy and are a positive step in building Jersey’s energy sovereignty and diversifying our energy sources.”
