Dong to explore up to 700-MW wind development off Isle of Man

Danish utility Dong Energy A/S has entered into an agreement for lease with the government of the Isle of Man that enables it to explore the possibility of developing an up to 700-MW wind farm in Manx waters off the north east coast of the island.

The contract allows Dong to conduct preliminary surveys to determine whether it is practical to erect wind turbines within the 12-mile limit of the island's territorial sea. Any wind farm development would need approval under the relevant consenting regime as well as the submission of a full environmental impact assessment.

In a press statement, the government said that forming an offshore energy hub is one of the core strategies under its long-term plans for economic growth and that leasing parts of its seabed for renewable energy production would contribute significantly to public funds and local job creation.

“If a wind farm in Manx waters is viable, all the infrastructure costs would be borne by the developer rather than the Isle of Man Government,” commented economic development minister Laurence Skelly.

Dong is also working on its plan to develop another offshore wind park in the Irish Sea -- the 660-MW Walney Extension off the coast of Cumbria. This project is expected to be completed in 2018.

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