Denmark-based Dong Energy has been selected as the preferred partner to develop a 700MW offshore wind farm in the Irish Sea.
Manx Tidal Energy and Tocardo Tidal Energy have been selected as preferred partners for the tidal power development schemes.
The proposed site of the wind farm lies off the east coast of the Isle of Man and there are three possible sites for the tidal schemes around the Point of Ayre, Calf of Man and Castletown.
Site surveys are expected to start in 2015 and the government said any future lease would be conditional on the developers securing approval and consent via the process outlined in the guide to developers for planned works in the Isle of Man Territorial Sea.
Isle of Man Minister for the Department of Infrastructure Phil Gawne said: "Consultation will continue with all stakeholders potentially affected by the development of any offshore wind and tidal development in Isle of Man territorial sea to avoid any adverse impacts."
Isle of Man Minister for Economic Development Laurence Skelly said: ‘The opportunities for the Isle of Man in renewable energy are significant. We estimate that leasing parts of the seabed within our waters to offshore wind and tidal developers will generate at least £5M of revenue per year directly to Government, helping to fund public services as well as contributing to a lower carbon footprint."
Image: The Isle of Man Government has selected preferred partners for a wind farm and tidal power schemes. Photo: Courtesy of The Isle of Man Government.
