Surprise at Lack of Energy and Climate Commitments

The Energy and Sustainability Centre IOM says it is surprised that energy security and climate change are barely mentioned in this year’s Budget.

A not-for-profit NGO, the ESC offers research, training and advice to companies, organisations and individuals on sustainability.

Echoing the sentiment of the Chamber of Commerce’s view of the Budget, the ESC said it represented a ‘missed opportunity’.

Looking at gov commitments to grow and meet net zero emission targets, the ESC said that an ‘unallocated £26 million in the Climate Change Fund is too vague’.

It added: ‘Instead, direct investments are needed in infrastructure and homes to support the expected doubling in electricity demand as fossil fuels are phased out.  For example, practical support in the form of grants and training is required to improve and replace inefficient heating systems in homes.’

The ESC said it is ‘crucial’ for the island to develop new businesses in the clean tech sector if the island is to grow its population to 100,000 by 2037, while also using green initiatives to retain existing and attract new companies and sectors.

‘Most international businesses are committed to reducing their environmental footprint which largely depends on being able to access reliable and secure low-carbon power with predictable costs,’ it said. 

‘MUA’s planned onshore wind farm will only provide one-quarter of current electricity demand and does not include energy storage.  The island can generate more renewable energy than it needs and does not need to import electricity to meet the shortfall.

‘The Isle of Man can be self-sufficient in affordable green power.  This is now a matter of national security as conflicts in regions like the Middle East and attacks on energy infrastructure can at any time spark supply problems and price rises in oil, gas and imported electricity.’

Skills and Resilience

The ESC also touched upon an area frequently referenced by the Chamber of Commerce and the gov itself, the island is suffering from a skills shortage, with the NGO focussing on a lack of tradespeople in the areas needed to decarbonise home heating, transport and commercial activities.

It added: ‘The redevelopment of Castle Rushen High School, including a new Southern Swimming Pool, is a chance to demonstrate high ambitions in energy efficiency in public sector buildings.’

With the island looking at ways to ease the worst aspect of rises in sea levels, storms and flash flooding, the ESC has also used its response to the Budget to call for plans for increased reservoir capacity and conservation of water.

It added: ‘In summary, the budget does not deal with the significant changes that the Isle of Man is soon to face – both the transition to a carbon-free society and the impacts of climate change.  ESC feels this is a missed opportunity to set the Island on course to a prosperous, secure and sustainable society.  Nonetheless, we are confident that there is still time for this to be rectified.’