Wind project on Jersey's offshore reefs approved

The masts on offshore reefs at the Minquiers and Ecrehous will test the power of the wind

Plans for a three-year wind power project on Jersey's offshore reefs have been approved.

The Planning Applications Panel agreed to allow a 10 metre mast and weather monitoring equipment to be built on the Ecrehous and Minquiers.

A spokesman for the panel said the equipment will gather information to help inform discussions on the use of wind energy in the future.

He said the data would also help with weather forecasting.

The spokesman said Jersey Harbours will also use the information to improve safety at sea.

'Environmental concerns'

Tony Pallot, principal meteorological officer, said: "This permission is the result of a great deal of hard work within the department of the environment.

"We have listened carefully and responded to the genuine environmental concerns raised, particularly in relation to the protection of seabirds."

It was agreed the equipment would not be put in place during bird nesting season, and the mast would not have supporting guy lines which could pose a risk to flying birds.

Mr Pallot said: "The resulting scheme will provide us with the important data we need for the future."

The kit will be fitted on rocks three kilometres from the main island of the Ecrehous and six kilometres from the main island of the Minquiers.