20 November 2025
Today, the Government of Jersey published a report about a possible offshore wind farm in the
Island’s south-west waters. The report sets out the evidence to help decide if Jersey should
develop an energy export industry.
In April 2024, the States Assembly agreed that the Council of Ministers would investigate the
feasibility of an offshore wind farm. The work has been led by the Minister for the Environment and
the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development. The work focussed on the conditions
needed for a developer to safely and effectively construct, operate, and decommission an
offshore wind farm.
The Report on the potential of offshore wind for Jersey November 2025 sums up over three years of work and covers technical, commercial, economic and
regulatory issues. It includes economic advice and technical assessments, feedback from local
groups and the progress of talks with neighbouring jurisdictions and potential developers.
Key Findings:
- Offshore wind could bring significant economic benefits, but Jersey must first secure
good access to export markets.
- Until decision-makers clearly understand market access terms from the UK and France,
they cannot fully assess the benefits.
- Despite many conversations with the UK and France, it has not been possible to get into
detailed discussions. Until this happens and the benefits can be assessed, it is too soon
to open a lease process.
- Further work on legislation and leasing should only come after a clear decision which
shows a net benefit for Islanders.
- Global uncertainty and energy market conditions are worse now than in 2022. They are
forecast to calm over time, making an opportunity for the Island to take its time deciding
if it wishes to go ahead.
Next Steps
The Government will continue to speak independently to the UK & France to clarify market
access.
This work will use current budgets and resources; the Government is not seeking extra funding
in the 2026 Budget. This is a no regrets action. Even if a wind farm does not proceed, market
access would be required for other potential future large-scale energy projects (e.g. tidal
power).
When the scope of negotiations is clear, a business case (including specialist legal and
technical support) will be developed for the Council of Ministers to review. The Government
continues to work with the Isle of Man and Guernsey in discussions with the UK and France.
Deputy Steve Luce, Minister for the Environment:
"I am confident that the detailed 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 for the future. I remain committed to an open, evidence-based approach, as we
look to understand more about the opportunities Jersey might have to enter global energy
markets."
Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development:
“Offshore wind represents a potentially transformative opportunity for Jersey, both
economically, environmentally, and strategically. While we remain open-minded about its
future, our approach will be guided by evidence and a clear focus on what is best for Islanders.
This is not a conclusion, but a milestone in our journey to explore how offshore wind could
support sustainable growth and help meet our climate commitments."