The island is already doing a great deal to address climate change according to Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Geoffrey Boot.

Mr Boot defended accusations from green campaigners that the island did not take its commitment to CO2 reduction seriously, after a licence was granted to survey the seabed off Maughold for gas and oil deposits.

Critics have said the move flies in the face of pledges to reduce emissions by 80 per cent on 1990 levels by 2050 and makes a mockery of the island’s biosphere status.

But Mr Boot reaffirmed his commitment to the cause.

’The gas turbine power station has a service life up to around 2035,’ he said.

’We are therefore in a transition period.’

’We are exploring how we will reduce emissions to around zero for transport heating and electricity generation by 2050.’

He said better building regulations will improve future housing while current householders would be encouraged to adopt electric heat pumps for heating, and run electric vehicles, ideal on a small island. So far, 23 electric vehicle charging points have been installed around the island.

In addition, an energy advisory service gives impartial advice to households on how to reduce energy consumption and bills, and free LED light bulbs are available to low income households.

Eectric vehicles have been trialled in the government fleet and there has been a trial installation of 50 heat pumps in a various house types.

’We have established an Energy Futures Group, and when the current gas powered generation of electricity comes to the end of its life in around 2035-40, we expect it to be replaced with renewable generation. There is certainly potential for generation from renewables such as wind,’ he said.