Manx Utilities’ Sulby hydro-electric station is 40 years old.

The renewable energy power station in the Tholt-y-Will quarry has been helping the Isle of Man play its role in cutting climate change gases for 40 years, although when it was built very few had heard of climate change or global warming.

The station comprises two turbines that were commissioned in 1981 and 1983 and since that time have produced more than 120 gigawatt hours (120 million kWh) of sustainable energy for the island.

The equivalent diesel generation would require 30 million litres of fuel or around 1,500 road tanker deliveries, which would produce 80,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

In an average year, the station contributes over three gigawatt hours of energy to the Manx grid which is enough to power 1,000 homes.

Most of this energy is consumed by commercial customers who have an operational model which requires the use of green energy.

The station is fed using the top four metres of water from Sulby reservoir during the winter period and in spring that is reduced to the first metre to help protect the island’s drinking water stock for the drier months of the year.

The station runs two 600 kilowatt water turbines which are monitored and controlled remotely by engineers or from the central control room within Pulrose power station, to ensure full availability, when required.

Chairman of Manx Utilities Tim Baker MHK said: ’Climate change is a top priority for government and Manx Utilities is playing a leading part in helping our island to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable generation, while ensuring we continue to maintain security of supplies for our customers.

’The UK-Isle of Man power interconnector, the gas fired power station and the Sulby hydro station have all contributed hugely to the reduction of the island’s carbon footprint.

’The hydro station will contribute to our "sustainable smarter living" future plans, and I would like to pay tribute to our water and electricity teams who provide both locally sourced green energy and high quality water supplies to our customers.’

In addition to the Sulby hydro station, a turbine at Sulby water treatment works has been cutting energy consumption since commissioning in 2013.

The water turbine on site generates about 40% of the electricity required to treat water at the plant.