Examination process into Mooir Vannin proposals closes today

Examining body has 60 working days to compile a report for CoMin

The examination process into the proposal for the Mooir Vannin offshore windfarm in Manx waters comes to a close today (9 September).

The examining body has been looking at Orsted's plans for an 87-turbine development off the east coast.

The panel has taken evidence from a range of representatives throughout the process including Orsted, Manx Utilities and residents who live near the development site.

Hearings also examined the environmental impacts if the construction was to go ahead, how it would affect shipping routes in the Irish Sea, and whether the electricity generated by Mooir Vannin could be used on Island.

The proposals

Mooir Vannin would be an 87-turbine development generating 1400MW of electricity from a 211km site six to 12 miles off the Island's coast.

The upper tip height of the turbines could be 330m, reduced from 350m during the examination process.

Documents published as part of the examination also show an alternative layout from Orsted, described as a 'thought experiment'; this version would have 72 turbines in a 113km area, generating 1100MW.

For and against

Orsted has highlighted the potential economic benefits of the project, citing revenue in taxation and rent of £2bn for a reduction in electricity bills on the Island of 10-15 percent.

Former Treasury Minister Alex Allinson also spoke about the fiscal and economic opportunities presented by the project, telling one hearing about the importance of Mooir Vannin to the sustainable economic future of the Island.

However, campaigners have voiced concerns over the visual and environmental impacts, as well as the lack of commitment to have the electricity available to use on Island.

Meanwhile the Manx Wildlife Trust described ecological assessments associated with the plans as 'inadequate'.

What happens next?

Now, the body has 60 working days to write a report including its recommendation on whether to proceed with the project or not; this means the report should be completed by early December.

Once that report is submitted, the Council of Ministers will have 30 working days to make a decision, and publish a statement explaining the decision.

The Council of Ministers will also be required to publish the report as soon as practicable after it's received.

The next administration

With a General Election on 24 September the decision on whether to back the examining body's recommendations will fall to the next Council of Ministers.

As we don't know yet who'll be part of the CoMin that makes that decision, the attorney general has issued guidance to election candidates, stating any who publicly support or reject the proposal will need to declare a conflict and recuse themselves.

The examining body recently requested a King's Council Opinion on whether the projected revenue from the project could be considered by CoMin.

Richard Turney KC of Landmark Chambers found revenue is legally capable of being relevant and important to the determination of an application for marine infrastructure consent.