Gov’t investigating onshore renewable energy

Interested parties asked to come forward

Government is calling for those with expertise in renewable energy to come forward and help it explore what can be done on-Island.

It wants to find an individual or group that can build an onshore installation or storage solution that can deliver 20 megawatts of renewable electricity to the Manx network.

Solar power and onshore wind are said to be the most viable, but any ‘zero emissions’ solution will be considered by government’s climate change transformation board.

It’s issued a prior information notice to gauge interest in developing a renewable energy project, and see what options are on the market.

Interested parties are asked to submit a brief response setting out their qualifications and experience in the field.

Any expressions of interest must be made through the government’s procurement portal by 18 September.

Manx Utilities will manage the selection process along with representatives from government departments.

When asked by Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas about concerns about a perceived conflict of interest in Manx Utilities role in the process, the chief minister did not comment.

It’s as MU could end up buying the electricity produced by a future onshore renewable energy project.

The Manx government has committed to achieving net zero emission by 2050, and is currently consulting a climate change bill to help meet that aim.

You can find out more information here.