Manx Utilities is inching towards being able to deliver 20MW of renewable energy in the island.

Chairman Tim Baker was asked by Lawrie Hooper (Lib Vannin, Ramsey) when any formal process would begin in achieving its goal.

The authority has been working with other government departments, particularly the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to issue a prior inquiry notice (PIN).

This would allow the government to explore opportunities for renewable energy generation on the Isle of Man.

Mr Baker said: ’The notice will request information from individuals or organisations capable of constructing renewable generation installations of up to 20 megawatts.

’The government’s Climate Action Plan was approved by Tynwald in January and Manx Utilities has been working with other government departments since this time to develop the notice.

pace

’This work continued during the pandemic restrictions, albeit at a slower pace.

’The release of the notice onto the government’s procurement portal is imminent and Manx Utilities is looking forward to playing its part in supporting the Climate Action Plan and the step to secure no less than 75% of the island’s electricity from renewable sources by 2035.’

He added that he will be able to provide further updates to Tynwald following the completion of the PIN process.

In January, Tynwald unanimously in favour of the government’s action plan drawn up following an independent report by expert Professor James Curran on how the island could achieve zero net emissions by 2050.

A variety of sources of renewable energy sources have been previously suggested for the island including wind, solar and tidal power.