Why is there a need to produce renewable electricity on the Isle of Man?

Manx Utilities has a legal obligation under the Electricity Act, 1996, to provide electricity from the most economic source. Onshore wind is currently expected to deliver the lowest cost electricity available for the Isle of Man (even after factoring in balancing costs), and so onshore wind is the most economic source at this time.

Electricity on the Island is primarily produced from imported natural gas, which contributes to climate change and makes the Island reliant on other jurisdictions. We hope that the proposed windfarm development can help to shield the Island against volatile external energy prices.

In addition, one of the key purposes of the project is to help facilitate the national energy objectives detailed within the Climate Change Plan 2022 – 2027, and the Island Plan. This Climate Act, 2021, requires a Climate Plan to be produced every five years to agree a pathway to progressing towards any interim targets. The subsequent Energy Policy document also stipulates that this will be delivered primarily from onshore wind. As such, there is a national need for onshore wind.

Tynwald has established a legally binding target of 35% reduction in emissions by 2030; the Climate Plan, 2022 – 2027 stipulates that this shall be achieved via the 100% decarbonisation of electricity.