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Minister optimistic over 2015 green energy target
‘I REMAIN optimistic to meet a renewable energy target,’ the Minister who brought forward the policy told Tynwald.
The Manx government agreed in 2010 to having 15 per cent of electricity generated from renewable sources by the year 2015.
Friends of the Earth believe the target will not be met partly because there is little incentive offered by government for people to invest in green technology.
In Tynwald Economic Development Minister John Shimmin was quizzed over the policy he had brought forward as chairman of the previous Council of Ministers’ energy and climate change sub-committee.
He said the recently-formed CoMin Environment and Infrastructure sub-committee, chaired by Environment Minister Phil Gawne MHK, with representatives from DED, DOI and the MEA, were considering the policy to generate 15 per cent from renewable sources by 2015, and will report back to Tynwald in ‘due course’.
David Quirk (Onchan) asked Mr Shimmin: ‘Are we on track to receive at least 15 per cent through renewables by the particular date? It was unanimous support of the particular House at the time and I am wondering is the Minister confident, or will he tell the court if we are not going to make the target?’
Mr Shimmin said there was significant time left before a final decision had to be made before the end of 2013. He said reports had shown the target was feasible.
‘It is then a case for Tynwald court collectively to come forward with their view as to whether this is appropriate. A 20 megawatt onshore windfarm would potentially generate the 12 per cent required, but as we have a number of persons in the public domain who are actively working against this, I think members of Tynwald require far more information before they could sign up to revisit and either support or turn down the policy of the previous court. I remain optimistic.’
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Weather for Isle of Man
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
