Statement by the Minister for the Environment regarding Potential of Offshore Wind Energy for Jersey

STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ON TUESDAY 25th NOVEMBER 2025

Potential of Offshore Wind Energy for Jersey

I rise today to provide the Assembly with an update on the Offshore Wind Project. Work to assess the potential for offshore wind power to bring net-benefit for Jersey was initiated by the previous Government and supported by the Assembly in April 2024.

When I became Minister, I was pleased to take it on as I share the ambition to examine all of the options to diversify our economy, improve energy security and sovereignty, and contribute to the net zero transition.

I think members are now familiar enough with my style to know that I have no wish to repeat the extensive details set out in the report I presented last week. Many members joined me last Thursday for an insightful discussion on the key findings and my proposed way forward and for those detained elsewhere, I'm sure you have found the opportunity to read through the report in your own time.

I did, however, want to share some of my key reflections at this point in the project.

An offshore wind farm would be the largest and most ambitious infrastructure project undertaken within the Bailiwick in modern history. With the potential to generate more electricity than the Island could conceivably consume, a significant amount of power would need to be exported and this could create an opportunity for us. The costs for the developer would run into billions of pounds, and even though Government will not invest, a project of this size will have an impact on us all and requires Government to have an active involvement.

When I commended the Proposition to Members in April 2024, I acknowledged that I did not have all the answers to their legitimate questions and concerns. Thorough investigations have uncovered a wealth of information and insights into the technical solutions, legal and regulatory necessities, the attractiveness of Jersey's wind assets to potential developers, the wider renewables industry, risk in global energy markets and the intentions of other Crown Dependencies. Details are set out in the report and the numerous documents which support it, all of which are available on the government website.

I have listened carefully to industry experts, the fishing industry, environmental groups and local businesses and am very grateful to them for the time and effort applied to share their thoughts and ideas.

I have also worked closely with the Offshore Wind Review Panel who have had full, real-time access to the evidence and who have helpfully fed back at each stage in the evidence gathering process. Feedback has also been gathered from international and local developers of all sizes who have combined experience of decades in offshore wind. Whilst they are excited by the opportunity that Jersey presents, they have also been clear about the prerequisites to investment.

I am delighted that economic and technical assessments conclude there may well be a case for Jersey to progress but whilst there may be long-term benefits, there are also sizeable costs and risks. Therefore, as I have stated throughout, it is vital that any decision must be made with a deep appreciation of the evidence and a factual understanding of the impact on Jersey of becoming an energy exporting jurisdiction.

Throughout this thorough process, what has become very clear is that we must secure an export market before we can assess with certainty the benefits an offshore wind farm could bring Islanders. Understanding those benefits is essential before any decision to progress with the leasing of the seabed or the consenting of a windfarm in our waters.

The conversations we have had over the last 2 years with both the UK and France have been positive about Jersey's potential opportunity. However, neither the UK or France have had the capacity to progress to the detailed legal and technical steps that are needed to understand on what terms Jersey might be able to trade energy with them. Entering an energy market is not an insignificant step and is underpinned by specialist legal and technical skills. Both the importing and the exporting Governments need to negotiate, manage and regulate market access with each other; Jersey would need to undertake a site leasing auction and then go on to consent and regulate a wind farm and oversee its operation and eventual decommissioning. Investments in these steps must only be made with clear milestones and a realistic chance of success.

I am therefore prioritising the next phase conversations with counterparts in both the UK and France to gain a deeper understanding of the necessary steps to secure market access.

Those discussions must result in an acceptable net benefit for Islanders before any decision to progress a project could be taken and realistically this will likely fall to the next Government and new Assembly.

Like all members, I follow closely the ever-deepening geo-political changes affecting our world with concern. It is evident that we find ourselves in different times to those when I last addressed the Assembly on this topic. Increasing international volatility, higher energy prices, trade restrictions on raw materials. Domestic political uncertainty, delays in policy setting and high cost of borrowing are all causing delays in the timelines for the development of some offshore renewables.

Whilst I am confident this volatility will settle with time, in this context it is important that we reflect carefully on our approach. An offshore windfarm is a long-term prospect which may bring benefits to future generations. Whilst I am determined to maintain the momentum and continue to make progress, the way forward I am recommending creates valuable time for the island, and the next Government to consider more deeply its options, without compromising on delivery.

I also regularly engage with my counterparts in other Crown Dependencies, the UK and France on a whole range of issues including energy. From these conversations I have come to realise that Jersey finds itself in a unique situation when it comes to exporting power generated by offshore wind. A single site situated in a busy stretch of ocean, between two attractive export markets, creates opportunities and challenges alike. It is absolutely critical that we work in close co-operation with our international neighbours and friends on a project of this scale and equally important that we do not compete; to be first; fastest, biggest or best, rather through reflecting on the evidence and focussing on maximizing the benefit to our Island.

In the last phase of this project, over 1000 Islanders shared their thoughts on both the challenges and opportunities that offshore wind development in Jersey's waters would bring. I often reflect deeply on the passionate insights captured through the public consultation. The variety of themes raised highlights the complexity and deep reaching implications of offshore renewables for Islanders. Consultation was the start of a conversation, and this report is by no means the end.

Without the help and support of everyone involved we could not have developed such a full understanding of the issues before us. Equally, as more information becomes available it is vital that we keep the conversation going. In summary, I have learned that we still have much to consider, and acting in haste would be a course for later regret.

I am confident that the detailed and thoughtful work completed so far puts Jersey in a strong position to shape its energy future. This project is about looking ahead, ensuring that our decisions today create opportunities, not constraints, for future generations. By directing our efforts to understanding market access in the short term we can continue to capitalise on the opportunities whilst at the same time creating the time to reflect on when to firm up our options. When the scope of market access negotiations becomes clear, a business case for additional resources can be developed, subject to Ministerial and Council of Ministers' agreement. I remain committed to an open, evidence-based approach, and I look forward to continuing a constructive conversation with Islanders and stakeholders as we build on this foundation together.