Wind farm proposals 'in place before June 2025'

Jersey's States voted almost unanimously to progress work on an offshore windfarm

The politicians looking at offshore wind power in Guernsey have promised proposals on the matter before June 2025.

It follows a decision by Jersey's States to vote in principle to explore the opportunities of building a wind farm off the island’s south-west coast.

Deputy Carl Meerveld said "I would hope we're in a position to bring proposals to the States this political term."

However businessman Jon Moulton said he expected Guernsey's project to be unviable when final proposals emerged.

Mr Meerveld, who is part of the sub-committee looking at wind power, has predicted this project could end up providing billions of pounds for Guernsey's States which he said he believed may stop the need for higher taxes in the future.

He said this could provide hundreds of jobs and diversify the island's economy away from finance.

"We are open to a conversation with Jersey on working on this project jointly," Mr Meerveld added.

Deputy Carl Meerveld said proposals were not at a stage to be brought to the States yet

Chair of Guernsey's offshore wind group sub-committee Chris Blin said it was great news to see Jersey's States back its plans.

He admitted progressing Guernsey's own plans would be a long process.

"We have made good progress in the last few months, but we will need to get a policy letter supported as we progress," he said.

"This won't be a short fix though, it'll be over several years."

Mr Moulton has stakes in a number of wind farms in Scotland

Mr Moulton has been critical of the States electricity strategy in the past, but said he believed there was merit in investigating offshore wind.

He said: "The issue is quite complicated, but the easiest way moving forward would be buying from the French and Jersey.

"If we want to make money then concievably a wind farm off Guernsey could make money, but it critically is dependant on the price of electricity.

"A lot of offshore projects in the UK have been cancelled and postponed in recent times and I don't think there's any reason to think we, with our economics, will be much better.

"I suspect at the end of this project you'll form the view this isn't worth it."

CEO of Renew Guernsey, Paul Fletcher said he was supportive of the States of Guernsey's work investigating offshore wind

Paul Fletcher owns solar panel firm Renew Guernsey and commended Jersey's decision to press ahead with offshore wind.

He urged Guernsey States to make sure the project was privately financed.

He added: "It's a great idea that the States is moving forward and looking at licensing of the seabed and planning.

"But the States shouldn't be putting any money into this really."