CROWN land in St Martin could be converted into a major solar farm with the capacity to power more than 40% of the parish’s homes.
Jersey Electricity is looking to turn Belle Fontaine into a centre for research and education combining agrivoltaics – the dual use of land for energy generation and farming – and solar technology.
A public consultation is due to be held at St Martin’s Public Hall next month where parishioners will be invited to view the plans for the site.
The Crown and JE have been collaborating with Harper Adams, the UK’s leading
university for food production and agriculture technology.
Receiver General Alan Blair said: “Part of this land has been in the Crown Estate ownership
for many centuries as it was part of the original ancient domain. Government House is
supportive of the Island’s agricultural community and at Belle Fontaine we are seeking
innovation in agriculture alongside renewable energy generation. What we aim to achieve
here aligns with His Majesty King Charles’ long-held views on sustainable farming and
energy. We believe this site has the potential to drive innovation in Jersey’s agricultural
sector and deliver tangible benefits to the Island.”
The Island’s first ground-mount solar site is now powering 14% of homes in St Clement
with two further solar farms currently under construction in St Mary and St John.
JE’s chief executive Chris Ambler said: “As the nature of energy and farming evolves, the site at Belle Fontaine offers a unique opportunity to enhance Jersey’s energy sovereignty while exploring and innovating in local food production.
“This project is a real collaboration, and we’re delighted to partner with Government House to bring this innovative project — which could potentially have a transformative and positive impact on our local farming industry — to life.
“We’re hoping this solar project could position Jersey as a global leader in agrivoltaics and innovative farming practices and a sustainable economy. With Jersey’s first solar farm already generating electricity to the grid for the benefit of all Islanders and two under construction, we are taking positive steps towards our ambition to generate 25MW of locally generated solar power by the end of 2027, which is around one third of the Island’s summer peak demand.”
The public consultation will be open from 10.30am until 7pm on Wednesday 10 September at St Martin’s Public Hall.
