Residents of St Martin in Jersey are being invited to share their views on a proposed solar farm that could power nearly half the homes in the parish while maintaining agricultural use of the land. The consultation, scheduled for 10 September at St Martin’s Public Hall, marks a key step in a project that blends renewable energy with innovative farming practices—a model gaining traction as small islands and rural communities seek sustainable solutions to energy and food security.
The initiative, a collaboration between Jersey Electricity (JE) and the Crown, would see solar panels installed across 11.25 acres of the 22.5-acre Belle Fontaine site, a parcel of Crown Land. Unlike traditional solar farms that often repurpose land solely for energy generation, this project aims to integrate agriculture with power production. Different solar technologies will be deployed to allow for crop cultivation and livestock grazing beneath and around the panels, an approach known as agrivoltaics.
The concept isn’t entirely new, but its adoption in Jersey reflects a growing interest in dual-use land strategies. The Crown and JE have partnered with Harper Adams University, a UK-based institution specialising in agricultural technology, to refine the plans. Receiver General Alan Blair emphasised the project’s alignment with sustainable farming principles, noting its resonance with King Charles’ advocacy for environmentally conscious agriculture. “This is about seeking innovation in agriculture alongside renewable energy generation,” Blair said. “It’s a forward-looking approach that could serve as a template for other sites.”
For Jersey, an island with limited land resources and a heavy reliance on imported energy, the project carries broader implications. Currently, the island meets much of its electricity demand through a mix of imported French power and local generation, including a small but growing renewable sector. If approved, the Belle Fontaine solar farm could supply electricity to 40% of homes in St Martin, reducing dependence on external sources and bolstering energy resilience. JE’s CEO, Chris Ambler, framed the project as a step toward greater energy sovereignty, while also exploring ways to support local food production—a pressing concern for islands vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
Yet the proposal is not without potential challenges. Solar farms, even those designed for dual use, can face opposition over concerns about visual impact, land use priorities, and long-term agricultural viability. The consultation will give residents a chance to scrutinise the plans, from the layout of the panels to the types of crops and livestock envisioned for the site. Questions may arise about whether the solar infrastructure could limit farming productivity, or how the project might affect local biodiversity.
The integration of agrivoltaics also presents technical and economic considerations. While studies suggest that certain crops and grazing animals can thrive alongside solar panels—benefiting from partial shade and reduced water evaporation—the success of such systems depends on careful planning. Harper Adams’ involvement hints at a data-driven approach, but local farmers’ experiences and insights will be critical in determining the project’s feasibility.
Beyond St Martin, the outcome of this consultation could influence Jersey’s wider energy and agricultural policies. If successful, the Belle Fontaine site might pave the way for similar projects elsewhere on the island, offering a blueprint for balancing renewable energy goals with the need to preserve arable land. For now, the focus remains on gathering public input—a process that will shape whether this vision of a solar-powered, agriculturally active landscape becomes a reality.