Consultant sought to deal with interest in offshore windfarm proposals

The Isle of Man Government is looking for a consultant to help deal with forthcoming expressions of interest and tenders for offshore wind farms in the Isle of Man’s territorial seas.

Earlier this year Tynwald agreed that Government would explore opportunities to develop potential offshore energy production in our territorial waters for export to the UK.

It's believed that leasing out parts of the Island-owned seabed for the construction of wind turbines could generate millions of pounds for the Manx economy . . . whilst assisting with the provision of renewable energy for the UK grid

It's also hoped the construction of such facilities would create jobs.

The Department of Economic Development’s Senior Manager for Energy Policy, Dr Ken Milne, says there would have to be detailed consultation on shipping and environmental concerns before any such facility was constructed, but such a project needn't be too far in the future.