A solar farm that combines food production could be put on land in St Martin belonging to the King.
Jersey Electricity has announced plans for a ground array on fields west of Ransoms Garden Centre.
It is working with Government House and a leading UK agriculture university - Harper Adams - on ambitions to make Belle Fontaine a leading example of agrivoltaics - the dual use of land for farming and generating energy.
JE says the panels would cover around half of the 90 vergee Crown-owned site. They would generate 5.2MWp, enough to power 40% of the parish's homes.
"A range of solar technologies including fixed tilt solar panels, tracker solar panels and vertical panels will all be used across the site to support a variety of agricultural activities from growing crops to livestock grazing."
On behalf of the Crown, Receiver General Alan Blair said the ambitions match the King's advocacy of environmental issues:
“Part of this land has been in the Crown Estate ownership for many centuries as it was part of the original ancient domain.
"Government House is supportive of the Island’s agricultural community and at Belle Fontaine we are seeking innovation in agriculture alongside renewable energy generation.
"What we aim to achieve here aligns with His Majesty King Charles’ long-held views on sustainable farming and energy.
"We believe this site has the potential to drive innovation in Jersey’s agricultural sector and deliver tangible benefits to the Island.”
JE CEO Chris Ambler says the company is delighted to be collaborating with Government House:
"We’re hoping this solar project could position Jersey as a global leader in agrivoltaics and innovative farming practices and a sustainable economy."
JE switched on its first solar farm in St Clement earlier this year. Sheep graze among the panels, which are generating electricity to the grid and powering 14% of the parish's homes.
Two more ground arrays are in the pipeline in St Mary and St John.
Read: St Mary solar farm application withdrawn
JE is targeting 25MW of locally generated solar power by the end of 2027 - equivalent to a third of peak summer demand.
There will be a community consultation at St Martin's Public Hall on 10 September from 10.30am until 7pm.
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