Isle of Man Announces Plans to Find Energy Partners

At the Offshore Renewable Energy Breakfast event at the International Festival for Business 2016, The Isle of Man Department of Economic Development revealed plans to hold a licensing round to find partners interested in offshore energy generation in Manx waters. It has also recently appointed the British Geological Society as technical advisors to help with exploration for hydrocarbon gas in the same area.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Department Member with responsibility for Clean Tech commented: “It is a great pleasure to announce this next exciting step for Manx energy generation. Over 80% of Manx territory lies beneath the sea and it is vital for the Island’s future that we carefully consider how best to sustainably leverage our amazing natural resources.”

Dr Ken Milne, Director of Energy and Support Services, added: “We anticipate the round will formally open at the PROSPEX exhibition in London in December 2016, where the Department will promote the potential of Isle of Man waters and invite suitably qualified applicants to bid for acreage.  It is expected that the round will close coincident with the closure of the UK’s 30th round (which is anticipated to include the UK’s Irish Sea area) mid-2017, and will thus provide the opportunity for exploration teams to take a holistic view of the potential of the region.”