Jersey’s net zero plans are making big progress

The Environment Secretary said a progress report on the country’s carbon neutrality plan showed Jersey was continuing to make “good progress” towards achieving net zero emissions.

Officials said the action plan, approved by the states in 2022, sets out policies to put the island on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Environment Minister Steve Luce said the latest report shows “significant progress” made in the past two years.

He said Jersey was “still on the right track” but the transition to net zero emissions “will require significant financial investment”.

Jersey Government pledged to spend £23 million from the Climate Fund for the first four years, from 2022 to 2025.

Mr Luce said: “Islanders may recall that these rules stem from the 2019 climate emergency, the Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change and the subsequent carbon neutrality strategy.”

The government stated that since Roadmap launchedlaunched a subsidy program for electric bikes, as well as incentives for purchasing electric vehicles and charging their chargers.

The company said the purchase incentive includes a cash payment of up to £3,500 towards the purchase of a new electric vehicle on the Island, up to a maximum vehicle value of £40,000.

In May 2023, the Low Carbon Heating Incentive Scheme was launched to help Islanders switch from oil or gas heating to alternative, low carbon heating systems.

Mr Luce said he was “encouraged” but the move needed support, adding that work was underway to “develop a net zero funding strategy, which will require additional sources of revenue”.