Can electricity be decarbonised on the Isle of Man?

Electricity generation is responsible for approximately 33% of all greenhouse gas emissions on the Isle of Man, and a majority of this is currently sourced from fossil fuels (natural gas). Without the decarbonisation1 of electricity, it will not be possible to reduce carbon emissions significantly in other areas such as heating and transport.

Does the Isle of Man import energy from the UK?

The Isle of Man currently imports all of its energy from the UK (with the exception of what is produced from Sulby). In all future models, the Isle of Man remains dependent on GB for the provision of baseload. This is the case even where capacity is increased by building excess renewables, as the stabilisation is still provided by interconnectors.

How are emissions affecting the Isle of Man?

Consequently, emissions in this sector are increasing as other sectors decarbonise and electrify. Electricity generation (including emissions from both the Manx Utilities and the Energy from Waste plant) is currently the dominant source of carbon emissions on the Isle of Man, accounting for 33% of the island’s emissions at 245KT per year.

Will intermittent renewables be profitable for the Isle of Man?

It is unlikely that the export of intermittent renewables will be profitable for the Isle of Man given the reasons outlined in this document. The Isle of Man currently imports all of its energy from the UK (with the exception of what is produced from Sulby).

What would a biomass generator do for the Isle of Man?

The biomass generators would allow the Isle of Man to maintain supply to key sectors (e.g. buildings providing public services, data-centres) as well as an increased domestic area relative to Scenario 2 in the event of a GB black-out, with other sectors quickly reconnected following restoration of supply.

What is the main energy source on the IOM?

Commissioned in 2003, this is the primary energy generation source on the IoM. When the CGT is running at full capacity it is understood to emit 400 kg of CO2 per MWh. The plant is composed of two Gas Turbines (GT) and one Steam Turbine (ST).