Island’s First Solar Farm Proposed

Proposals for the island’s first solar farm have been unveiled, with the company behind it saying it could generate 5% of the island’s electricity needs.

The plans for the farm in Malew are being brought forward by Peel Cubico Renewables.

As well as unveilings its plans for the 84 acre farm, the Peel Cubico is inviting islanders for their views on the proposals. 

If built, the farm would have a capacity of around 26MW, which Peel Cubico says would power up to 7,700 homes a year, roughly 20% of the island.

An onsite substation is included in the plans which would connect to a nearby grid network. A battery storage facility would also store electricity generated during periods of low demand and re-distribute it to the grid when demand is high, or the network is down. 

The project represents an investment of around £30m across the 40-year anticipated life of the project, with Peel Cubico saying it would be at ‘no cost to the public finances’.

Stephen Snowdon, Planning & Development Manager at Peel Cubico Renewables said: ‘Our vision for this solar farm supports both the Isle of Man’s response to climate change and the government’s ambitions for renewable energy projects to help secure a bright economic future for the island. We also recognise the cost-of-living crisis facing Island consumers and believe that the Billown solar scheme will offer a fantastic opportunity for stable, low-cost green energy to be made available to all island residents and businesses.

‘The development could be operational by 2024 and is a no-regrets hedge against future price volatility for the Island as well as a huge opportunity for the Island to take control over its long-term energy needs by exploiting its own abundant indigenous and renewable energy resources for benefit of Manx consumers. With energy security at the forefront of people’s minds, we are looking forward to engaging with the local community over the coming weeks as we discuss our proposals in more detail and will also look to set up a community benefit fund to support local projects.’

The public consultation runs until November 13. To find out more or to have your say, visit https://my.engaged.space/billownsolar/