A delegation from the Isle of Man presented opportunities in the Island’s offshore renewable energy sector to 130 delegates at key industry event the Rushlight Show held in London on 30th January 2014.
 
Richard Ronan MHK, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Clean Tech and Energy said:
 
‘Our attendance at the Rushlight Show sought to exploit the significant economic development potential that exists from pursuing offshore renewable energy opportunities.
 
‘For example, the potential return to the Isle of Man from a typical 650MW offshore wind farm is expected to be worth ?5M per year from leasing the seabed in our territorial sea.
 
‘If just one farm is progressed we also estimate that there will be around 60 local jobs created to meet the operational and maintenance requirements of these turbines.
 
Dr Ken Milne, Senior Manager for Energy Policy for the Department of Economic Development introduced the presentations. He said:
 
‘The Isle of Man offers great potential for a number of renewable energy and other sustainable solutions so it was encouraging to see a packed audience of investors, professional advisors and businesses for the series of presentations.  
 
‘The delegation briefed delegates on opportunities in the Isle of Man’s energy and clean tech sectors as well as updating them on progress on the Marine Spatial Plan for the Island’s territorial sea.

‘The Rushlight Show is important as it is the only event in the UK and Ireland that showcases the best new clean energy and environmental solutions and brings investors, customers and advisers together with the clean technology companies themselves.’

The other members of the Isle of Man delegation who made presentations at the event were: Dr Richard Bujko, Strategy and Business Development Manager for the Manx Electricity Authority; Steve Malley from Baker Tilly IOM; and Steve Brown from Stroma NX.