Powerful idea

Thursday 23rd July 2009, 2:57PM BST.

From Peter Marriott.
WHAT is the best use for the derelict holiday camp site at Plémont?

Clear the site after compulsory purchase, then formulate a ten-year plan to erect 1,000 wind turbines for electrical generation, which would be of two-fold benefit, putting the site to best possible use for Jersey, with all the land connections already in place. Thus cost would be least wasteful, and it would be much cheaper to maintain.

As the JEC is 60% owned by the States, funding for and the return from the development would be an asset and we would be self-sufficient, thus helping to keep employment in the industry secure for the future. There would be no need to import, only export electricity from this green and pleasant land.

1
Nick

July 24, 2009 at 11:09 am

Well that’s one way to go but rather unsightly and certainly a menace to bird-life, but how about a Marine Conservation and Ecology College or even a Scientific Centre of Excellence. Training people to take up new roles in all things marine and environmental. The list of training courses is endless and could include developing seapower and windpower, alongside marine conservation,animal rescue,diving, salvage,fishing and commercial sea handling and training etc.
A centre for developing new techniques and scientific answers to pollution of the marine environment.Marine virus research (Oysters ring any bells?)
Such a development does not detract from the area as any redevelopment of facilities could be part of the program towards a greener more self sufficient less intrusive use of the current derelict site, and it would earn revenue with overseas students like the language school at St Brelade.
Any discoveries of a scientific or ecological nature could be patented (Another area where we have local strengths) and marketed to other countries. New job opportunities all round on and off the Island (Just look at Durrell Wildlife), and a great industry to develop in such a beautiful spot where minimum impact can be part of the training brief!

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2
R B Bougourd

July 24, 2009 at 9:49 pm

As Peter Marriott suggested putting 1,000 (one thousand) wind turbines at Plemont I assumed that this idea was made in jest.

It could be, of course that he is thinking of small generators like the ones fitted to yachts and light beacons. If so, what will he do with the current? Charge batteries?

All this “Sell the surplus back to the grid” lark is just marketing hype.

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