The news follows the UK government announcement yesterday that the use of offshore wind power was to be increased, and that licences to create thousands of turbines generating the same energy as six nuclear power stations were to be granted.
Last year it was suggested that a wind farm could be established off the coast of the Island, subject to feasibility assessments and tests.Around 40 masts, each rising 165 feet out of the sea and with 200-ft long rotor blades, could be created in French territorial waters off the Ecréhous.
It is thought that the masts could generate up to 40 megawatts of electricity (just under a third of that required by Jersey) but that it would be sold to the European market.Jersey Electricity Company managing director Mike Liston said initial tests by wind mast manufacturers and developers had shown that the project could go ahead, and that he felt it was an attractive prospect.
However, he added that a final decision would not be made for another 12 months and that if approved, the masts would be in place by 2007.
