blog.gov.jeIt was an incredibly exciting moment earlier this month, when the Minister for the Environment addressed the States Assembly to announce our plans to pursue offshore wind power, bringing with it a potential multitude of environmental and economic benefits for our Island.
Ministers have confirmed where (to the south-west of our waters) and how big (up to around 1,000MW) they want the facility to be, and have asked States Members to effectively endorse those proposals and start a journey towards the generation of power from our own waters.
It’s the start of an ambitious project, which signifies our commitment to a greener, cleaner and more prosperous Jersey.
The wind farm is our resolute response to the global challenge of climate change and reducing our carbon emissions through renewable energy generation, but it also presents us with an opportunity to shape the Island’s future economy.
Here are some of the key reasons why this wind farm is a beacon of hope for our Island’s future:
- Clean, Renewable Energy: The wind farm will harness the power of the wind, generating clean and renewable energy that will help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. This not only curbs harmful emissions but also contributes to a more sustainable global energy landscape.
- Economic Growth: This project will stimulate economic growth by attracting investment and boosting some local industries. The construction and maintenance of the wind farm could generate employment opportunities for our community.
- Energy Independence: By producing some of our electricity locally, we can reduce our dependence on external energy sources. This enhances energy security and sovereignty and ensures a stable supply for our residents.
- Energy Resilience: Jersey’s climate is not immune to the changes that are occurring worldwide. By diversifying our energy sources, we can better adapt to potential disruptions and price shocks ensuring the continued well-being of our residents.
We understand that change can be met with questions. Rest assured, the Government of Jersey is committed to an open dialogue and engagement throughout the project.
We’ll shortly be kicking off the public engagement phase and consultation, giving Islanders the opportunity to give feedback, share any concerns, and help shape how we take this forward. To help inform the debate, we will be producing industry-standard visual representations of how a wind farm would look set against the backdrop of the newly installed St Brieuc to the south-west of our territorial waters. Please keep an eye out for our series of public meetings and a consultation survey.
This wind farm is not just a project; it is a symbol of our determination to protect the environment for future generations and to safeguard the unique beauty of our Island.