Banning of fossil fuel boilers from 2026 (FOI)

​​​​Request

Regarding the banning of oil boilers from 2026 and historic buildings where double glazing or solar panels are not allowed by planning historical team, what assessments have been carried out on the impact and cost to those who must now retrofit such a building so that electric or heat pumps are actually effective (as they are not in old buildings) but are not allowed to proceed with solar for example?

When will this ban become legally effective?

Response

Planning permission is generally required for the installation of double-glazing or solar panels where they affect listed buildings. Any such applications are considered against the policies in the Bridging Island Plan, which are approved by the States Assembly, including the following: 

Policy HE1 – Protecting listed buildings and places, and their settings.pdf (gov.je) 

Policy HE2 – Protection of historic windows and doors.pdf (gov.je) ​

It is relevant to note that proposals to improve energy efficiency, where they affect historic windows and doors, will be supported where it can be demonstrated that they do not harm the special interest of a listed building or the character of a building in a conservation area. The use of double-glazing in replacement windows and glazing in doors will, therefore, be supported where replacements replicate the historic window and doors as far as practicable, helping to meet Jersey’s commitment to energy efficiency.

Work has been undertaken to explore the optimal approach to the energy retrofit of historic buildings in Jersey, for information please see Advisory Note on the Retrofit of Historic Buildings in Jersey). This can be found online via the link below: 

Advice And Resources (jerseyheritage.org)​

The Government of Jersey’s Carbon Neutral Roadmap makes a commitment that no new fossil fuel boilers will be able to be installed from 1 January 2026. Work will commence in 2024 on the drafting of the relevant legislation, including appropriate exemptions and this will be subject to public consultation. Please see the link below: 

Carbon Neutral Roadmap.pdf (gov.je)​​

​Please note that advancements continue with technologies for non-fossil fuel heating systems, including high temperature heat pumps, which allow for more efficient operation in buildings that have a higher heat demand.​​