On Thursday 9^th February 2023 the Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee, a Standing Committee of Tynwald, took oral evidence from the Manx Utilities Authority (MUA).  

The Committee, whose members are Rob Mercer MLC and Marlene Maska MLC, discussed a range of topics from renewable energy generation to sewage treatment with Chair of the MUA, Tim Johnston MHK, Chief Executive, Phil King, Finance Director, Simon Clague, and Executive Director, Adrian Dobbins.

A week after the hearing the MUA announced its plans to decarbonise the Island’s electricity generation by 2030. The Committee welcomes this announcement.

Mr. Mercer, the Chair of the Committee reflected that:

The Committee heard that the Manx Utilities Authority has had no clear energy policy direction from DEFA for over five years. Whilst somewhat reassured by the recent announcement which will see up to 30 megawatts of electricity produced from onshore wind and solar energy by 2026, much of what was said in the hearing regarding renewables was in the future tense. The Committee will be keeping a watching brief as we see the MUA move towards the delivery of these projects. The MUA also sounded a warning note regarding planning processes, with issues raised around applications, surveys, and land access. It was frequently recalled during this hearing that the Island is on a ‘critical path’, and we wait with anticipation as to the MUA’s developments in our Island’s pursuit of net-zero.

Audio of the hearing can be accessed via the listen again function on the Tynwald website.

- Ends –

For further information contact:

Clerk to the Committee
Telephone: 01624 685500
Email:    committees@tynwald.org.im
Website: www.tynwald.org.im

More information about the membership and work of the Committees can be found on the Tynwald website.