Delivering on the Isle of Man Government’s ambitions

Agenda for Change 2013 & 2014

In 2013, Tynwald approved the Agenda for Change to build a sustainable future for the Isle of Man, setting the pathway to the Island’s decarbonisation efforts and interest in renewable energy alternatives.

The 2013 Agenda for Change report by the Council of Ministers on Environment and Infrastructure Policy laid out how the Government would achieve its goals. One of the key objectives stated: “Government will explore opportunities to develop potential offshore energy production in Isle of Man territorial seas for export to neighbouring jurisdictions; this may include the establishment of strategic partnerships.”

A subsequent 2014 report pointed out the potential benefits of an offshore renewable project in terms of attracting Government income from seabed lease revenue, increasing employment opportunities, and securing local energy supplies.
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Agreement for Lease award to Ørsted in 2015

With the Isle of Man Government recognising the benefits of an offshore wind farm in its territorial seas in terms of jobs, income and renewable energy generation for the Island, it signed an Agreement for Lease (AfL) with Ørsted in 2015.

The AfL gave Ørsted the ability to investigate the territorial seas off the Isle of Man as a site for potential development.
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The Climate Change Act of 2021 

With the Climate Change Act 2021, the Isle of Man Government set legally binding carbon targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100% – often referred to as ‘net-zero’ – by 2050.

The Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm will contribute toward the net-zero emissions target set by the Climate Change Act 2021 through the substantial generation and delivery of renewable energy to the Isle of Man. Based on the earliest operational date of 2031, the offshore wind farm will contribute to the 2050 net-zero target.

The Climate Change Act also specified that the Island’s efforts to meet its net-zero goals must do so in accordance with ‘just transition’ and ‘climate justice’ principles.

Mooir Vannin will support these principles by providing environmentally and socially sustainable jobs, investing in low-carbon infrastructure, and working collaboratively with the Government, local community and businesses. 
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The Island Plan

The Island Plan sets out the continued overarching vision to build a secure, vibrant and sustainable future for the Isle of Man through the creation of 5,000 jobs in new and existing sectors.

Mooir Vannin will help drive employment, climate change benefits and provide an opportunity for an alternative revenue stream for the Isle of Man Government. All of which directly aligns with the Island Plan. 
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Energy Strategy 2024

Benefits of the proposed Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm

Over the last decade, all Isle of Man planning legislation, policy and strategic documents have supported the provision of renewable energy projects, including offshore wind development generally, and Ørsted’s proposed Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm specifically, in playing a key role in meeting the Isle of Man’s transition to net-zero. 

The Climate Change Act 2021 set legally binding carbon targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050. This makes decarbonisation in the Isle of Man a legal requirement. 

In order to achieve this, the Isle of Man must decarbonise its energy system, electrify heating, industry and transport. 

Ørsted’s proposed Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm will play a key role in meeting the Isle of Man’s critical strategic needs and provide numerous benefits to the island, including:

• Bringing power to island
  Ørsted is actively working with Manx Utilities to bring green energy to Isle of Man residents, providing the Island with energy security and independence.
  
  
• Generating revenue for the Island
  The Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm is funded entirely by Ørsted. The project will require no direct investment or subsidy from the Manx taxpayer. Revenue from the wind farm will go directly to the Isle of Man Government through rental payments and taxation.
  
  
• Community investment
  Ørsted has committed to launch and operate a Community Investment Fund for the Isle of Man. This fund would provide £1.5 million every year for the first 15 years of operation of the Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm. With direct funding each year for projects, community causes and infrastructure on the Island, all Isle of Man residents will benefit from the fund which would be entirely funded by Ørsted and governed independently. Funding will start from the moment the wind farm becomes operational, with the earliest anticipated operational date during 2031.
  
  
• Jobs and skills
  The offshore wind farm will lay the foundation for lasting economic investment by developing local skills and creating new jobs. It will create more than 30 full-time, skilled jobs with competitive pay in the Isle of Man once the project is operational. It is proposed that Ørsted will have an operations and maintenance base on the Island and Ørsted is in discussions with the Department of Infrastructure’s Harbours Division.