First Manx solar farm could power up to 7,700 Island homes

£30 million private project unveiled

Plans to build the Island's first solar farm could have the ability to power up to 7,700 homes.

If approved the privately funded initiative - which is a Peel Cubico Renewables venture - would be complete and operational by 2024.

The company says it would help to provide long-term stability and independence for the Isle of Man’s energy supply.

It would also generate enough power to meet more than 5 per cent of the Isle of Man’s current electricity demand.

The £30 million Billown Solar Farm would be located on 84 acres of agricultural land near Castletown.

Stephen Snowdon, planning and development manager, 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."

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.

Chris Eves is the financial director and says whilst this isn't a 'silver bullet' to net zero it will help realise government's 2030 target:

A public consultation on the plans will run until 13 November – you can find out more HERE.