Wind farm proposals move step closer

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez said the sub-committee was "in the early stages of developing a marine spatial plan"

Plans to build a wind farm that could generate millions of pounds and cut energy bills for residents have moved a step closer.

Deputy Carl Meerveld and Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, members of the States of Guernsey's Offshore Wind Sub-Committee, met with UK representatives in Guernsey in early October.

Ms de Sausmarez said: "We are in the early stages of developing a marine spatial plan, which is a key enabler for the sub-committee's aspirations.

"We'll be bringing a policy letter on the licencing framework for offshore renewables to the States in early 2025."

Deputy Chris Blin, the chair of the sub-committee, said before a policy letter was submitted, further "structured discussions" would be held with developers and on-island stakeholders before the end of 2024 and into 2025.

It comes after a 2022 States' report found a windfarm off Guernsey's coast could reduce bills and make millions of pounds through renewable energy.

The report concluded that excess energy could be sold to other jurisdictions, lowering bills and making significant profit.