Cubico JV launches plans for Isle of Man solar farm

Proposals for the first utility-scale solar farm on the Isle of Man have been published by developer Peel Cubico Renewables (PCR).

The 26MW Billown Solar Farm in Malew, near Castletown, would generate enough power to meet more than 5% of the Isle of Man’s electricity demand, when operational in 2024.

Island residents are being asked for their views on the new facility which would be built on 84 acres of agricultural land to the west of Malew Road (A3) and south of Douglas Road (A7).

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.

The project represents an investment of around £30m across the 40-year anticipated life of the project.

PCR is a joint venture formed a year ago between natural resources and energy business Peel NRE (part of Peel L&P) and Cubico Sustainable Investments.

Stephen Snowdon, Planning & Development Manager at Peel Cubico Renewables, 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.”