No date for key wind farm debate after unannounced delay

Tuesday 27 February 2024

A long-awaited debate on whether to build a wind farm in Jersey’s waters is up in the air after it was delayed due to an extension of the consultation period.

A date is still to be set for the rescheduled States Assembly debate, which was due to take place on 19 March.

Environment Minister Steve Luce has said he "fully support[s] the ongoing windfarm consultation" – but has remained tight-lipped on whether he supports the proposals themselves.

His predecessor, Deputy Jonathan Renouf put forward proposals for the project – which would require at least £1 billion of private investment with no subsidy from taxpayers – last October.

Pictured: Environment Minister Steve Luce has said he "fully support[s] the ongoing windfarm consultation" – but has remained tight-lipped on whether he supports the proposals themselves.

Following 14 weeks of public consultation and assessment, States Members were due to be asked later this 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 successful no-confidence vote in the former Chief Minister 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.

Express understands that a new date is in the process of being finalised.

Pictured: The proposed wind farm could generate twice as much power as the 62-turbine wind farm north of Saint Brieuc, which was completed in December.

In a statement about the consultation extension, Deputy Luce said: "As Minister for the Environment, I fully support the ongoing windfarm 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 requirement if all the energy needs of our current economy – including transport and home heating – were powered entirely by 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.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

You can complete the wind farm survey HERE.

Pictured top: A visualisation of the proposed wind farm off the south-west coast.